About Kingman
Kingman is an incorporated city and the county seat of Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 33,822 as of the 2020 census, up from 28,068 in 2010. Located at the intersection of Interstate 40, U.S. Route 93, and Arizona State Route 66, Kingman is 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas and 35 miles northeast of Bullhead City. Known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66,” it serves as a commercial and cultural hub for northwestern Arizona, offering access to the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, and nearby desert attractions.
History and Origins
Founded in 1882 as a railroad siding for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Kingman was named after Lewis Kingman, a surveyor instrumental in mapping the route. The city grew as a mining, ranching, and transportation hub, with silver and gold mines in the Cerbat Mountains fueling early development. The arrival of Route 66 in the 1920s brought travelers and businesses, cementing Kingman’s place in American road trip culture. Today, its historic downtown preserves this legacy, with landmarks like the Route 66 Museum celebrating its past.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°11′22″N 114°3′11″W, Kingman covers 37.6 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 3,333 feet. Situated in the Hualapai Valley, it is flanked by the Cerbat Mountains to the west and Hualapai Mountains to the southeast, offering scenic desert landscapes. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation, with clear skies ideal for stargazing. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks, but air quality is generally good.
Demographics and Economy
Kingman has a median household income of $56,258 and a median home value of $215,700, more affordable than 70.3% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing includes single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes, with 65.8% of residents owning their properties. The median age is 41.7, with a diverse population: 81.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 12.4% Hispanic, 2.1% Native American, and 1.9% Asian. The economy employs 13,418 people, with key industries in healthcare (2,347), retail trade (2,014), and public administration (1,456). The average commute is 18 minutes, reflecting its role as a regional hub.
Did You Know? Kingman’s Historic Route 66 corridor, with its neon signs and vintage diners, inspired scenes in Pixar’s “Cars,” making it a pilgrimage site for Route 66 enthusiasts.
Education and Community Services
Kingman is served by the Kingman Unified School District, with schools like Kingman High School and Cerbat Elementary, alongside private and charter options. Mohave Community College has a campus in Kingman, offering vocational and academic programs. Emergency services include the Kingman Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with Kingman Regional Medical Center providing healthcare. The city boasts libraries, parks, and community centers, with downtown Kingman hosting shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
Recreation and Attractions
- Route 66 Museum: Located in the historic Powerhouse Visitor Center, it showcases Kingman’s road trip heritage with exhibits and memorabilia.
- Hualapai Mountain Park: 12 miles southeast, offering hiking, camping, and cabins in a pine-forested retreat with panoramic views.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk: 70 miles northeast, a Hualapai Tribe-operated glass bridge providing stunning Grand Canyon views.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area: 65 miles northwest, ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking along its expansive shoreline.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Kingman offers a suburban-rural lifestyle with a population density of 900 people per square mile, appealing to families, retirees, and professionals. The city is moderately walkable in its downtown core, with a low crime rate and 90.2% health coverage (25.6% Medicare). Community events like the Route 66 Fun Run and Andy Devine Days celebrate its heritage, fostering a strong sense of identity. Its affordability, job opportunities, and proximity to natural attractions make it a draw, though summer heat requires adaptation.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Kingman via Interstate 40, U.S. Route 93, or Arizona State Route 66 from Las Vegas (100 miles northwest) or Flagstaff (150 miles east). Explore the Route 66 Museum, hike in Hualapai Mountain Park, or use Kingman as a base for day trips to the Grand Canyon Skywalk or Lake Mead. Downtown’s vintage diners and shops offer a nostalgic vibe. For extended trips, Bullhead City (35 miles west) provides Laughlin’s casinos, and Lake Havasu City is 60 miles south. Kingman blends history, adventure, and desert charm.