La Paz County Demographics

La Paz County, AZ, had an estimated population of around 21,000 in 2020. The racial composition includes approximately 75% White, 9% Native American, 1% African American, and 12% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 25% of the population. The county features a significant elderly population, with nearly 30% aged 65 and over. Median household income is approximately $40,000, and the poverty rate is roughly 22%. The county covers a large, primarily rural area, including significant agricultural and desert lands.

La Paz County Housing

As of 2023, La Paz County, AZ has a median home value of approximately $134,500. The real estate market comprises a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and RV parks. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $750 per month. The county experiences a low homeownership rate of about 63%, with many properties being seasonal residences. New housing developments are limited, reflecting the county’s rural character. The housing market remains modest, catering primarily to retirees and seasonal visitors.

Elections in La Paz County

La Paz County, AZ, typically holds elections for various federal, state, and local positions, including county supervisors, sheriff, assessor, and school board members. In the 2022 elections, notable positions and candidates included:

  • County Supervisor District 1: David Plunkett (R) received 3,876 votes.
  • County Supervisor District 2: Duce Minor (R) with 4,124 votes.
  • County Sheriff: William "Ponce" Riesgo (R) ran unopposed and secured 7,902 votes.
  • County Recorder: Shelly Baker (R) obtained 7,732 votes.

Please note that these are subject to change in future elections as new candidates emerge. Election turnout and results data are available through the La Paz County Elections Department.

How Educated in La Paz County

La Paz County, Arizona, has educational attainment levels that are generally lower than both state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

  • About 78.4% of residents age 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the Arizona state average of 86.5%.
  • Approximately 11.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 29.5%.

These statistics indicate a lower overall educational attainment in La Paz County compared to broader benchmarks, highlighting potential areas for improvement in educational infrastructure and resources.

La Paz County Employment Rate

La Paz County, AZ, has a labor force participation rate of around 40.7%, lower than Arizona's 59.1% and the national average of 61.7%. The unemployment rate in La Paz County stands at 7.3%, higher than the state average of 5.8% and the national average of 6.7%.

Top industries in La Paz County include retail trade, employing 18.7% of workers, followed by healthcare and social assistance (15.6%), and accommodation and food services (13.9%). Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting also play a significant role, employing about 7.2% of the workforce.

In contrast, the most significant sectors nationwide are healthcare and social assistance (13.8%), retail trade (10.9%), and professional and business services (14.6%). Arizona similarly prioritizes healthcare and social assistance (13.8%), retail trade (11.4%), and professional and business services (13.6%).

Overall, La Paz County has higher employment in retail and agriculture than national trends, highlighting its rural and tourist-focused economy.

Average Income in La Paz County

As of the latest data, the average household income in La Paz County, AZ, is approximately $49,350 annually. In comparison, the median household income in Arizona is around $62,055, and the national median household income is approximately $68,703. This shows that La Paz County's average household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

Location Average Household Income
La Paz County, AZ $49,350
Arizona $62,055
United States $68,703

Given these figures, it is evident that La Paz County lags behind in economic terms relative to broader state and national metrics.

La Paz County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, La Paz County, AZ has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to neighborhoodscout.com, La Paz County's crime rate stands at about 23.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a simplified table breaking down the types of crimes reported:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 3.2
Property Crime 20.3
Total Crime 23.5

Violent Crimes include:

  • Assault: 2.0
  • Robbery: 0.6
  • Rape: 0.5
  • Murder: 0.1

Property Crimes include:

  • Burglary: 4.5
  • Theft: 12.7
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 3.1

These statistics provide a snapshot of the general crime scenario in La Paz County, helping residents and potential movers make informed decisions.