About Littlefield
Littlefield is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 274 as of the 2020 census, down from 308 in 2010. Located in the Arizona Strip along Interstate 15, Littlefield is 10 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada, and 40 miles southwest of St. George, Utah. Adjacent to Beaver Dam, it is a small, rural community near the Virgin River, offering a peaceful lifestyle and proximity to recreational and urban amenities across state lines.
History and Origins
Littlefield was established in the late 19th century by Mormon pioneers who settled along the Virgin River for farming and ranching. Named for its small size and fertile fields, the community grew modestly, serving as a stop along early wagon routes and later U.S. Route 91, now Interstate 15. Its development was closely tied to Beaver Dam, with both sharing a post office and school historically. The construction of I-15 in the 1970s improved access, but Littlefield remained a quiet agricultural hamlet, with some residents commuting to Mesquite for work.
Geography and Environment
Located at 36°53′14″N 113°55′47″W, Littlefield spans 10.4 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 1,850 feet. Situated in the Virgin River Valley, it is bordered by the Virgin Mountains to the east and the Beaver Dam Mountains to the west, offering scenic desert landscapes. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation, with the Virgin River providing occasional greenery. The area has a low earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and flash flood risks along the river, but air quality is generally excellent.
Demographics and Economy
Littlefield has a median household income estimated at $38,000 and a median home value of $140,000, more affordable than 88% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing consists primarily of mobile homes, small ranch houses, and RVs, with 80% of residents owning their properties. The median age is estimated at 55, reflecting a retiree-heavy population, with 85% White (Non-Hispanic), 10% Hispanic, and 5% Native American. The economy is small, with residents commuting to Mesquite (10 miles southwest) or St. George (40 miles northeast) for work in retail, hospitality, or construction. Local employment is limited to small farms and services.
Did You Know? Littlefield’s proximity to the Virgin River Gorge, a stunning canyon along Interstate 15, makes it a gateway for scenic drives and hiking in the Virgin Mountains.
Education and Community Services
Littlefield has no schools, with students attending the Littlefield Unified School District’s Beaver Dam Elementary and Beaver Dam High School, located in nearby Beaver Dam, less than 2 miles away. Emergency services are provided by the Beaver Dam-Littlefield Fire District and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with medical facilities in Mesquite (Mesquite Medical Center) or St. George (Dixie Regional Medical Center). Residents rely on Mesquite for shopping, dining, and libraries, with minimal local amenities like a gas station and small market.
Recreation and Attractions
- Virgin River Gorge: 5 miles south, a scenic canyon along I-15 with hiking trails and opportunities for rock climbing and photography.
- Mesquite, Nevada: 10 miles southwest, offering casinos, golf courses, and dining, ideal for day trips and entertainment.
- Virgin River: Adjacent to Littlefield, providing fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching in a serene desert setting.
- Zion National Park: 60 miles northeast, accessible via St. George, featuring world-class hiking and stunning red rock landscapes.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Littlefield offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 26 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The average commute to Mesquite is 15–20 minutes, with many residents retired or working across the state line. The community is small and tight-knit, with minimal events but a shared appreciation for the desert landscape. Its affordability and proximity to urban amenities in Mesquite make it appealing, though summer heat and flash flood risks require preparation.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Littlefield via Interstate 15 from Mesquite, Nevada (10 miles southwest) or St. George, Utah (40 miles northeast). Explore the Virgin River Gorge, enjoy water activities along the Virgin River, or visit Mesquite for casinos and golf. St. George offers urban conveniences and access to Zion National Park for day trips. For extended trips, Las Vegas is 90 miles southwest, and the Grand Canyon North Rim is 120 miles southeast. Littlefield is a serene base for exploring the Arizona Strip and nearby attractions.