Y avapai County, Arizona is so expansive and diverse that it may just be a perfect microcosm of America itself. Encompassing over 8,125 square miles, Yavapai County is approximately the size of the state of Massachusetts. The land varies from desert to mountains, with grasslands, rock formations, streams and valleys in between. Its climate is equally varied, with some areas experiencing as much as thirty five degrees in temperature fluctuation on a given day. The county's unusual name is derived from the Yavapai Indian Tribe, whose name means "people of the sun".

In this vast expanse of land you will find the rich history of the American West, complete with Calvary forts, gold rush towns, abandoned mines and Spanish Land Grant ranches, intertwined with modern homes, business parks and industrial development. Residents here are represent all walks of life as well. Those seeking a rustic life find an array of suitable places to live in Yavapai County. In its small towns and cities, you will find students, artists, modern-day cowboys, retirees and families all living side by side. The majority of Yavapai County's residents and employment opportunities are concentrated in the County Seat of Prescott, the towns of Jerome, Clarkdale, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and the regions of the Prescott and Chino Valleys.

With plenty of open space, Yavapai County has experienced steady population growth. There are currently some 184,433 residents today, with a median age of forty four years old. Just over thirty percent of locals here are employed in the service industry. Nearly twenty nine percent of residents are employed in a professional or managerial capacity. The third largest employment sector in Yavapai County is fairly evenly tied between sales, administrative support and labor, each employing approximately thirteen percent of residents here. The median household income within the county is around $36,192 per year.

While there is an array of housing styles offered in this area, around half are single-family detached style. Home ownership has proven to be a solid investment in the area, with steady appreciation over the years. Perhaps because of this, home ownership is a common trend, with around two-thirds of residents owning their own homes. The most popular option for buyers in the county is a three-bedroom model. Recent sales figures indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Yavapai County is currently $240,143.

The County Seat of Prescott has recently become one of the fastest growing towns within both the county and in the nation as a whole. Singles, seniors and families alike choose Prescott for its affordable housing, employment opportunities, a relaxed lifestyle and the natural beauty that pervades the town. Located just about an hour north of Phoenix, Prescott is a vibrant city that serves as the cultural and historic hub of the north-central region of Arizona. It also attracts thousands of tourists each year, who come to sample its pristine lakes, impeccable golf courses, and over four hundred miles of trails for hiking and bicycling.

Prescott's mild climate offers visitors and residents alike a welcome respite from hot desert summers. The Prescott National Forest is an ideal setting for camping, fishing, and hiking all year round. For the truly adventurous, the forest offers activities such as hang gliding, whitewater rafting, and excellent technical rock climbing. The less daring will find that Prescott's many boutiques, galleries, and cafes are a great place to spend the day, while the town's four theaters offer a plethora of music, dance and dramatic performances.

Yavapai County offers newcomers the chance to live in either rustic isolation or in the heart of a happening city. If you are thinking about moving, consider all that Yavapai County has to offer! To learn more about this region or one of its cities, request our "free relocation packet" today.