kids encyclopedia robot

Apache Junction, Arizona facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Apache Junction, Arizona
Welcome Marker
Welcome Marker
Flag of Apache Junction, Arizona
Flag
Official seal of Apache Junction, Arizona
Seal
Official logo of Apache Junction, Arizona
Logo
Motto(s): 
"Surrounded By Legacy"
Location of Apache Junction in Maricopa County and Pinal County, Arizona
Location of Apache Junction in Maricopa County and Pinal County, Arizona
Apache Junction, Arizona is located in Arizona
Apache Junction, Arizona
Apache Junction, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Apache Junction, Arizona is located in the United States
Apache Junction, Arizona
Apache Junction, Arizona
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  Arizona
Counties Maricopa, Pinal
Incorporated November 24, 1978 (1978-11-24)
Government
 • Type Council–manager
Area
 • Total 35.08 sq mi (90.86 km2)
 • Land 35.07 sq mi (90.83 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
1,722 ft (525 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 38,499
 • Density 1,097.81/sq mi (423.86/km2)
Time zone UTC-7 (MST (no daylight saving time))
ZIP codes
85119–85120
Area code(s) 480
FIPS code 04-02830
GNIS feature ID 25702
Website ajcity.net

Apache Junction is a city in Maricopa and Pinal counties in the state of Arizona. According to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates, the population of the city was 42,571, most of whom lived in Pinal County. It is named for the junction of the Apache Trail and Old West Highway. The area where Apache Junction is located used to be known as Youngberg, AZ. Superstition Mountain, the westernmost peak of the Superstition Mountains, is nearby.

Geography

Apache Junction is at 33°24′54″N 111°32′46″W / 33.415035°N 111.546025°W / 33.415035; -111.546025.

Apache Junction is located in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 34.2 square miles (89 km2), all land.

The town is bounded by the Superstition Mountains (a federal wilderness area and home of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine) on the east, the Goldfield Mountains with the Bulldog Recreation Area on the north and the city of Mesa on the west. Goldfield Ghost Town, a tourist location preserved from former prospecting days, lies near the western face of Superstition Mountain just off Highway 88 (Apache Trail). It is located just southwest of the site of the ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1970 2,390
1980 9,935 315.7%
1990 18,100 82.2%
2000 31,814 75.8%
2010 35,840 12.7%
2020 38,499 7.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

Apache Junction first appeared on the 1970 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It formally incorporated as a city in 1978.

As of the census of 2010, there were 35,840 people, 15,574 households, and 9,372 families residing in the city. The population density was 929.3 people per square mile (358.9/km2). There were 22,771 housing units at an average density of 665.1 per square mile (256.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.9% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.4% of the population.

There were 15,574 households, out of which 19.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population had 19.9% under the age of 20, 4.5% from 20 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.5 years.

The median income (as of the 2000 census) for a household in the city was $33,170, and the median income for a family was $37,726. Males had a median income of $31,283 versus $22,836 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,806. About 7.3% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Historic structures

This gallery includes images of some of the remaining historical structures located in Apache Junction. Among the exhibits on the grounds of the Superstition Mountain Museum are studio sets and other Western paraphernalia that were saved from the Apacheland fire of 1969. Apacheland was a 1,800-acre movie set which opened in 1960. Also located in Apache junction is the ghost town of Goldfield. Goldfield was a mining town established in 1893 next to the Superstition Mountain. When the mine vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped and the town eventually became a ghost town. The town and its historic buildings were revived as a tourist attraction.



Transportation

Apache Junction is located along U.S. Route 60.

Apache Junction is not served by local buses. Greyhound Lines serves Apache Junction on its Phoenix-El Paso via Globe route.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Apache Junction para niños

kids search engine
Apache Junction, Arizona Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.