About McConnico
McConnico is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 63 as of the 2020 census, down from 70 in 2010. Located just south of Kingman along Interstate 40, with access from Exit 44 and Exit 48 (Beale Street), McConnico is a small, rural community in the Hualapai Valley. Bordered by Golden Valley to the west, it is 150 miles west of Flagstaff and 57 miles east of Needles, California, offering a tranquil setting with easy access to Kingman’s amenities.
History and Origins
McConnico’s history is tied to the Arizona and Utah Railway, established in 1899 as a short-line railroad running 25 miles from McConnico’s siding on the Santa Fe Railway to the White Hills. In 1905, the railway was reorganized as the Western Arizona Railway, serving mines in Chloride until its abandonment in 1931. The community developed around this railway hub, supporting ranching and mining in the Cerbat Mountains. Named likely after a local settler or railway figure, McConnico remains a quiet remnant of Mohave County’s transportation and mining past.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°09′49″N 114°05′23″W, McConnico spans 6.58 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 2,940 feet. Situated in the Hualapai Valley, it is bordered by the Cerbat Mountains to the west and Kingman Mesa to the north, offering open desert views. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation, ideal for stargazing. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks in washes, but air quality is generally excellent.
Demographics and Economy
McConnico has a median household income of approximately $23,169 and a median home value of $90,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists mainly of mobile homes, RVs, and small dwellings, with most residents owning their properties. The median age is estimated at 60, with a population that is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) and retiree-heavy. The economy is minimal, with residents commuting to Kingman (5 miles north) for work in retail, healthcare, or services. Local employment is limited, with some small-scale ranching or remote work.
Did You Know? McConnico’s Arizona and Utah Railway, built in 1899, once connected the community to Chloride’s mines, making it a key transportation link in Mohave County’s early mining era.
Education and Community Services
McConnico has no schools, with students attending Kingman Unified School District facilities, such as Cerbat Elementary or Kingman High School, 5–10 miles away in Kingman. Emergency services are provided by the Golden Valley Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with Kingman Regional Medical Center offering medical care. Residents rely on Kingman for shopping, dining, and libraries, with minimal local amenities beyond private properties and small ranches.
Recreation and Attractions
- Hualapai Mountain Park: 15 miles southeast, offering hiking, camping, and cabins in a pine-forested retreat with scenic trails.
- Route 66 Museum: 5 miles north in Kingman, showcasing the history of America’s Mother Road with exhibits and memorabilia.
- Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area: 10 miles northwest, providing trails for hiking, biking, and off-roading in the desert landscape.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk: 75 miles northeast, a Hualapai Tribe-operated glass bridge with stunning views of the Grand Canyon.
Lifestyle and Appeal
McConnico offers a rural, minimalist lifestyle with a population density of about 10 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The average commute to Kingman is 10–15 minutes, with many residents retired or working remotely. The community is small and lacks formal events, but its proximity to Kingman provides access to urban amenities. Its affordability and quiet desert setting are key draws, though summer heat and limited services require self-sufficiency.
Plan Your Visit
Reach McConnico via Interstate 40 from Kingman (5 miles north) or Needles, California (57 miles west). Visit Hualapai Mountain Park for outdoor activities, explore Kingman’s Route 66 Museum, or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Kingman offers dining, shopping, and cultural events for nearby conveniences. For extended trips, Lake Havasu City is 65 miles south, and Las Vegas is 105 miles northwest. McConnico is a serene stop for those exploring Mohave County’s desert and history.