According to Countryaah, Greenlee County, Arizona is located in the southeastern corner of the state and has a population of 8,437 people as of 2019. It is bordered by Graham County to the north, Cochise County to the east, and Hidalgo County to the south. Greenlee County covers an area of 2,929 square miles and consists of two towns – Clifton and Morenci – as well as numerous small communities.
Greenlee County was established in 1909 and named after Mason Greenlee, an early settler who founded Clifton. The county has a rich history that dates back centuries before its founding. It was once home to Apache Indians who had lived in the area for centuries before migrating elsewhere in Arizona. The county also played an important role during World War II when it served as a training ground for troops headed overseas.
Today, Greenlee County is known for its copper mining industry which accounts for most of its economic activity. The county’s two main mining sites are located near Clifton and Morenci respectively. In addition to copper mining, Greenlee County also relies on tourism as an important source of income with visitors coming from all over the US to enjoy its many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and more.
The county’s climate is generally mild with temperatures ranging from hot summers with highs reaching into the 100s (Fahrenheit) to cold winters with lows dropping below freezing at night. Rainfall is scarce throughout most months but does occasionally occur between late summer and early winter months.
Greenlee County has a diverse population that consists of Native Americans (Navajo), White Americans (mainly descendants from settlers who arrived in the late 19th century), Hispanics/Latinos (mainly from Mexico), Asians (primarily Chinese immigrants who moved here during World War II), African Americans (former slaves who moved here during Reconstruction), and even some recent immigrants from other parts of Europe and Asia.
Greenlee County offers something for everyone—from its vibrant history to its unique landscape—making it a great place to visit or call home.
History of Greenlee County, Arizona
Greenlee County, Arizona is a beautiful and fascinating place with a rich history that dates back centuries. The county was established in 1909 and named after Mason Greenlee, an early settler who founded Clifton. It is located in the southeast corner of the state and is bordered by Apache County to the north, Graham County to the east, Cochise County to the west, and Hidalgo County to the south. The county covers an area of 2,929 square miles and consists of two towns – Clifton and Morenci – as well as numerous small communities.
The area that would become Greenlee County has been inhabited since ancient times by Apache Indians who lived in this region for centuries before migrating elsewhere in Arizona. During World War II, Greenlee County played an important role when it served as a training ground for troops headed overseas.
Today, Greenlee County is known for its copper mining industry which accounts for most of its economic activity. The county’s two main mining sites are located near Clifton and Morenci respectively. In addition to copper mining, Greenlee County also relies on tourism as an important source of income with visitors coming from all over the US to enjoy its many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and more.
The county’s climate is generally mild with temperatures ranging from hot summers with highs reaching into the 100s (Fahrenheit) to cold winters with lows dropping below freezing at night. Rainfall is scarce throughout most months but does occasionally occur between late summer and early winter months.
Greenlee County has a diverse population that consists of Native Americans (Navajo), White Americans (mainly descendants from settlers who arrived in the late 19th century), Hispanics/Latinos (mainly from Mexico), Asians (primarily Chinese immigrants who moved here during World War II), African Americans (former slaves who moved here during Reconstruction), and even some recent immigrants from other parts of Europe and Asia.
The area that became Greenlee County experienced significant growth during territorial times when many settlers arrived looking for gold or silver deposits near Clifton or copper near Morenci.
Today, Greenlee County is largely rural with a population of just over 8,500 people. Despite its small size, the county is home to several important historical sites such as the Clifton-Morenci Historical Museum and the Old Clifton Townsite. It is also home to several national monuments including the Coronado National Memorial which commemorate the explorations of Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado in 1540.
Greenlee County has a strong agricultural industry with cattle ranching being one of its main activities. The county is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing opportunities that attract visitors from all over Arizona and beyond. The Gila National Forest, located in the county’s northern region, offers some of the best hiking and camping experiences in the state.
Major cities and towns in Greenlee County, Arizona
Greenlee County is home to two major cities, Clifton and Morenci, as well as several smaller towns. Clifton is the county seat and the largest city in Greenlee County with a population of approximately 3,500. It was founded in 1873 and quickly became an important mining town due to the discovery of copper ore nearby. Today, it is still home to several copper mining operations and remains an important hub for commerce and industry in the region. The town also boasts a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
Morenci is the second largest city in Greenlee County with a population of about 1,900 people. It was originally established as a mining camp in 1872 but grew into a full-fledged town soon after when copper ore was discovered nearby. Today, it is still largely dependent on copper mining but has diversified its economy somewhat by adding various other businesses such as retail stores and restaurants.
In addition to Clifton and Morenci, there are several smaller towns located throughout Greenlee County. Duncan is one of the oldest settlements in the county having been established during territorial times when it served as an important stopover for travelers heading west from Tucson or Phoenix. Other smaller towns include Blue River (population: 500), Pima (population: 400), Safford (population: 200), York (population: 150), Franklin (population: 100), Metcalf (population: 50), and Shannon (population: 20).
Each of these towns has its own unique character that makes it an interesting place to visit or explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, or hiking; historic sites such as old mining camps or ghost towns; or simply want to explore small-town life on a quiet weekend getaway – Greenlee County has something for everyone.
Population in Greenlee County, Arizona
According to existingcountries.com, Greenlee County is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona and is home to an estimated population of 8,500 people. The population has remained relatively stable over the past few decades, with only a slight decrease since 2000. The majority of the county’s population is concentrated in the two largest cities, Clifton and Morenci, which together account for nearly 80% of all residents. Other smaller towns and settlements throughout Greenlee County make up the remainder of its population.
The largest city in Greenlee County is Clifton, which has a population of about 3,500 people. It was founded in 1873 as a mining town and remains an important hub for copper mining operations today. Morenci is the second largest city with a population of approximately 1,900 people. It was originally established as a mining camp in 1872 but grew into a full-fledged town soon after when copper ore was discovered nearby.
Duncan is one of the oldest settlements in Greenlee County and has a population of 500 people. Other smaller towns include Pima (population: 400), Safford (population: 200), York (population: 150), Franklin (population: 100), Metcalf (population: 50) and Shannon (population: 20). These towns are home to many families who have lived here for generations and provide essential services to rural communities throughout the county such as grocery stores, gas stations, medical clinics and schools.
Greenlee County has maintained its small-town charm while also providing access to larger cities such as Phoenix or Tucson for those who want more amenities or employment opportunities. Despite its low population density compared to other parts of Arizona, there are still plenty of things to do both indoors and outdoors that make it an attractive place to live or visit.
