About Meadview
Meadview is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 1,497 as of the 2020 census, up from 1,224 in 2010. Located 60 miles northeast of Kingman and 20 miles west of Grand Canyon West, Meadview sits near the shores of Lake Mead along Pierce Ferry Road. A retiree-friendly community, it offers affordable living, stunning desert and lake views, and access to outdoor recreation in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
History and Origins
Meadview was established in the 1960s as a planned community by developers seeking to capitalize on the recreational potential of Lake Mead, created by Hoover Dam in the 1930s. Named for its views of the lake, the community attracted retirees and seasonal residents with its affordable land and proximity to water-based activities. While initially focused on tourism, Meadview grew into a permanent residential area, supported by its location near the Grand Wash Cliffs and the burgeoning tourism of Grand Canyon West. The community remains unincorporated, governed by Mohave County.
Geography and Environment
Located at 36°00′08″N 114°04′05″W, Meadview spans 31.0 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 3,294 feet. Situated near the Grand Wash Cliffs and the western edge of the Hualapai Plateau, it offers panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert. 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
Meadview has a median household income of approximately $44,558 and a median home value of $145,000, more affordable than 85% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing consists primarily of mobile homes, single-family homes, and RVs, with 89% of residents owning their properties. The median age is 64.3, reflecting a retiree-heavy population, with 90.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 6.5% Hispanic, and 2.1% Native American. The economy is small, with residents commuting to Kingman (60 miles southwest) for work in retail or services, and some employed locally in tourism or small businesses like the Meadview Market.
Did You Know? Meadview’s proximity to Grapevine Mesa, a prime Joshua tree forest, offers unique hiking opportunities and some of the best night-sky viewing in Mohave County due to minimal light pollution.
Education and Community Services
Meadview has no schools, with students attending Kingman Unified School District facilities, such as Mt. Tipton Elementary or Kingman High School, 60 miles away, or homeschooling options common among residents. Emergency services are provided by the Pine Lake Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with the nearest medical facilities in Kingman (Kingman Regional Medical Center). The community has a small civic center, library branch, and basic amenities like the Meadview Market and a gas station, with residents relying on Kingman or Las Vegas for major shopping.
Recreation and Attractions
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area: 5 miles west, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking with access to South Cove’s marina and beach.
- Grand Canyon West: 20 miles east, featuring the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a Hualapai Tribe-operated glass bridge with stunning canyon views.
- Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees: Adjacent to Meadview, providing scenic hiking and photography opportunities in a unique desert forest.
- Pearce Ferry Rapid: 10 miles northwest, a popular spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking at the end of the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River run.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Meadview offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 48 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The average commute to Kingman is 60–75 minutes, with many residents retired or working remotely. The community is tight-knit, with events like potlucks and civic association meetings fostering neighborliness. Its affordability, lake proximity, and access to Grand Canyon West are key draws, though summer heat and remote access require preparation.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Meadview via Pierce Ferry Road from Kingman (60 miles southwest) or U.S. Route 93 from Las Vegas (70 miles west). Enjoy boating at Lake Mead’s South Cove, visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or hike among Grapevine Mesa’s Joshua trees. Meadview’s market and diner offer basic amenities, while Kingman provides urban conveniences. For extended trips, the Grand Canyon North Rim is 120 miles southeast, and St. George, Utah, is 100 miles northeast. Meadview is a peaceful base for lake and canyon adventures.