La Paz County

La Paz County is the second least populous County in Arizona, with a population of 20,489. Its Spanish name means “peace” and was named after an early settlement that has now turned into a ghost town. 

Since La Paz’s establishment in the early 1980s, tourism and agriculture have become the principal industries of this County. Many places to live and visit here, such as Parker and Quartzsite, where most people come to work or spend winter vacations. 

There are numerous water and desert recreational opportunities in La Paz County. However, the most popular activities in Parker are water-related. The scenic Parker Strip provides some of the best water environments in the western United States, suitable for skiing, boating, jet skiing, swimming, and excellent fishing.  

Great Off-road trails for road trips, ghost towns, and beautiful springtime wildflower displays will appeal to those who prefer a more arid environment. 

Quartzsite shows winter gemstone and mineral shows each year, with more than 1-million people visiting the site. In addition, La Paz County is also a pollution-free area used as an escape for those traveling from snowy Northern and Midwestern states. 

County Demographics 

In the 2000 census, 19,715 people lived in Grays Harbor County. There are 8,362 households, and 17.5% speak Spanish at home. Out of the total population, 74.2% are white, and 12.5% are Native American. 

Eight thousand three hundred sixty-two households had children under 18 years old, 54.2% were married people, 8.2 percent were single mothers with absent husbands, and 32.8 percent were families with no children. 

In 2010, people aged 18 and under were initially about 19% of the population. People aged 25-44 made up 20% of the people, 16% were 45-64 years old, and 25% were over 65.  

More people living in La Paz live below the poverty line, including the young and elderly. The average household income is $32,147, while the average pay is $37,721. The male gender typically makes 35,464, whereas females collect 27,484.  

The per capita income reached $21,165, and about 14.3% of families live below the poverty line. 36.4% of those are under 18 years old, and 6.5% of people over 65 are poor.  

 Geography of the Area 

The County covers 4,514 sq. mi with 4500 sq mi surrounded by dry land, and 14 sq mi is covered by a water body. 

The County of La Paz is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Washingtonia filifera, an endangered California Fan Palm, can be found in a few spots throughout the County. 

La Paz is bounded to the north by Mohave County, to the northeast by Yavapai County, and to the east by Maricopa County. In southern Imperial County, California, Yuma County is another example, located southwest of Los Angeles. 

Tourist Attraction in the County 

Swansea Ghost Town 

This location, far from civilization, was once a copper mining camp. The site was eventually closed due to the high cost of transporting copper over these long distances. 

Thanks to various signs, you can now see the ruins and learn about the site’s history. To get to Swansea, ride a bike or an ATV, but make sure you have a 4WD vehicle if you plan to drive. You might see some of Arizona’s wildlife, including wild burros, along the way. 

Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum 

Take a trip to this beautiful and educational museum if you are interested in Indian tribes and want to learn more about their history. It’s a small shop with an extensive collection of baskets, cradleboards, clay work, beading work, and various other items that once belonged to Indian tribes. 

The staff is courteous and knowledgeable, and they will gladly answer any questions you may have. You’ll also find blankets and other fantastic items for sale at the Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum to take home a great souvenir. 

Buckskin Mountain State Park 

This park spans 18 miles between these two dams and features a gorgeous river surrounded on both sides by mountains, a diverse array of plants and cactuses, and a variety of fish and wild animals. 

Hiking, camping, picnicking, lying on the beach, boating (and other water activities), and playing basketball or volleyball are just a few outdoor activities. If the activities and excitement are too much for you, essentially settle for a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant. 

County Departments 

Some La Paz County departments that liaison and run the County’s administrative functions are discussed below. They are as follows: 

County Sheriff 

 The mission of the County Sheriff’s Office is to help the citizens of our County to live in a safer environment. We uphold the law, prevent crimes, and bring those who break it to justice. 

The Sheriff’s Office team will act with compassion, courtesy, and patience, honor conflicts among the citizens, and remain professional and calm in dangerous or irrational circumstances. 

For years, the public has expressed their doubts and fears about the police. But the department says they will work to help dispel those feelings to make sure that our community is taken care of and pleasured. The office is located at 1109 W Arizona Ave, Parker, AZ 85344, and you may also reach out to them at (928) 669-6141. 

Public Works Department 

The principal mission is to keep County Roadways in good condition and safe for public use. The department is responsible for the upkeep of County-owned buildings and properties. Furthermore, Public Works is in charge of Fleet Management, which includes purchasing and maintaining heavy equipment and acquiring and maintaining county vehicles. For any queries or feedback, you can reach the office by Phone: at 928-669-2016 or Fax: 928-669-5408. 

The Human Resources Office 

Human Resources’ mission in La Paz county is to provide guidance and support to La Paz County employees as they strive to achieve organizational potential through a successful collaborative effort. 

 The office is in charge of various functions for the county employees, including; 

• Orientations and training for new employees 
• Personnel Policy & Procedures  
•  Employee Benefits 
• Workers Compensation 

Feel free to reach out to the department through their official phone number, 928-669-3400, or send them a Fax at 928-669-3401. 

County Public Records 

Citizens have access to many official documents in the county public records system. Interested parties have several departments to visit for an accurate, fast, and updated report.  

For instance, residents can visit the County Assessors, the County Recorders, or the County Clerk’s office for an instant report that pertains to their queries. You may also give them a call at 928-669-6136 or 888-526-8685 or send a fax through 928-669-5638. Some of the available public records include Inmate searches, birth, marriage, and death certificates, GIS county map, and criminal records, among several other vital records. 

La Paz County Offices by Type