About Fort Mohave
Fort Mohave is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 16,024 as of the 2020 census, up from 14,364 in 2010. Located on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation along the Colorado River, Fort Mohave is a growing residential and commercial area 10 miles south of Bullhead City and 5 miles north of Needles, California, accessible via Arizona State Route 95. It blends suburban amenities with riverfront recreation and cultural ties to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.
History and Origins
Fort Mohave traces its name to a U.S. Army post established in 1859 to protect settlers and travelers along the Colorado River. The Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, formalized in 1870, encompasses parts of Arizona, Nevada, and California, with Fort Mohave as a key community. The area grew in the 20th century with the development of irrigation and agriculture, followed by residential and commercial expansion in the 1980s, spurred by its proximity to Bullhead City and Laughlin, Nevada. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe maintains a strong presence, operating businesses and cultural programs.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°0′14″N 114°35′45″W, Fort Mohave covers 16.7 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 469 feet. Situated along the Colorado River, it is bordered by Bullhead City to the north and Mohave Valley to the south, with the Black Mountains to the east. The semi-arid climate features hot summers and mild winters, ideal for water-based activities. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and good air quality, with occasional flash flood risks due to its riverfront location.
Demographics and Economy
Fort Mohave has a median household income of $54,190 and a median home value of $230,700, more affordable than 68.4% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing includes single-family homes, mobile homes, and apartments, with 75.6% of residents owning their properties. The median age is 48.7, with a diverse population: 78.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 15.2% Hispanic, 2.1% Native American, and 1.8% Asian. The economy is robust, with 6,824 employed residents, primarily in retail trade (1,159), healthcare (1,022), and education (756). The average commute is 20 minutes, often to Bullhead City or Needles.
Did You Know? Fort Mohave is home to the Avi Resort & Casino, operated by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, offering gaming, a golf course, and a private beach along the Colorado River, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Education and Community Services
Fort Mohave is served by the Mohave Valley Elementary School District and Colorado River Union High School District, with schools like Fort Mohave Elementary and River Valley High School located locally. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe also operates Aha Macav High School. The Fort Mojave-Mesa Fire Department provides emergency services, and medical facilities, including Valley View Medical Center, are available in Fort Mohave. The community has shopping centers, a library branch, and tribal services, enhancing its suburban appeal.
Recreation and Attractions
- Colorado River Activities: Boating, fishing, and jet skiing are popular, with access points like Jack Smith Memorial Park and the private beach at Avi Resort & Casino.
- Avi Resort & Casino: Offers gaming, dining, an 18-hole golf course, and family-friendly amenities like a kids’ water park, 4 miles south of Fort Mohave.
- Havasu National Wildlife Refuge: 10 miles south, providing birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the Colorado River.
- Laughlin, Nevada: 15 miles north, accessible via Bullhead City, offering casinos, entertainment, and dining for day trips.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Fort Mohave offers a suburban lifestyle with a population density of 959 people per square mile, appealing to families, retirees, and professionals. The community is moderately walkable, with a low crime rate and 88.5% health coverage (22.8% Medicare). Residents enjoy local events like farmers’ markets and tribal cultural festivals, with easy access to Bullhead City’s amenities. The area’s growth, with a 7.7% population increase from 2010 to 2020, reflects its rising popularity. Summer heat and occasional flooding are manageable challenges.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Fort Mohave via Arizona State Route 95 from Bullhead City (10 miles north) or Interstate 40 from Needles, California (5 miles south). Enjoy river activities, golf at Avi Resort & Casino, or explore the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Bullhead City’s River Regatta and Laughlin’s casinos are nearby attractions. For extended trips, Lake Havasu City (35 miles south) offers the London Bridge, and Las Vegas is 100 miles northwest. Fort Mohave is a dynamic destination for riverfront living and desert adventures.