About Yucca
Yucca is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 96 as of the 2020 census, though recent estimates suggest around 104 in 2023. Located along Interstate 40, it is 24 miles southwest of Kingman and 38 miles northeast of Lake Havasu City, near the Sacramento Wash. Named for the abundant yucca plants in the region, Yucca is a small, rural stop known for its historic ties to the Santa Fe Railway and its proximity to outdoor recreational areas.
History and Origins
Yucca’s history is rooted in its role as a water stop for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century, established by 1883. The community grew around the railway, serving as a hub for steam locomotives and later as a small settlement for ranchers and miners. Its location along the historic U.S. Route 66, now Interstate 40, brought travelers through the area until the interstate bypassed much of the town in the 1970s. Yucca retains its railway heritage, with remnants like the old depot site, and serves as a quiet retreat for residents and passersby.
Geography and Environment
Located at 34°52′21″N 114°08′58″W, Yucca spans 2.2 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 1,850 feet. Situated in the Sacramento Valley, it is bordered by the Hualapai Mountains to the east and Black Mountains to the west, offering scenic desert vistas. The semi-arid climate features hot summers (average high 104°F), mild winters (average low 34°F), and minimal precipitation (6 inches annually), with excellent air quality. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks near washes, but its open terrain is ideal for stargazing.
Demographics and Economy
Yucca has a median household income of approximately $32,000 and a median home value of $95,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists of mobile homes, RVs, and small single-family homes, with 70% of residents owning their properties. The median age is estimated at 62, with a retiree-heavy population: 85% White (Non-Hispanic), 10% Hispanic, and 5% Native American. The economy is minimal, with residents commuting to Kingman (24 miles northeast) for jobs in retail, healthcare, or services, or relying on retirement income. Local businesses include a small market and gas station.
Did You Know? Yucca’s Stagecoach 66 Motel, a quirky Route 66-themed stop, offers travelers a nostalgic stay with a pizza restaurant and a nod to the area’s railway past.
Education and Community Services
Yucca has no schools, with students attending the Yucca Elementary School District’s Yucca Elementary (K-8) in town, though high school students travel to Kingman Unified School District schools, such as Kingman High School (24 miles northeast). Emergency services are provided by the Yucca Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with medical facilities in Kingman (Kingman Regional Medical Center). Residents rely on Kingman for shopping, dining, and libraries, with limited local amenities like the Stagecoach 66 Motel and a general store.
Recreation and Attractions
- Hualapai Mountains: 30 miles east, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views in Hualapai Mountain Park, with trails like Hayden Peak.
- Stagecoach 66 Motel: A Route 66-themed stop in Yucca with lodging, dining, and a glimpse of the area’s historic charm.
- Alamo Lake State Park: 60 miles southeast, providing fishing, boating, and camping in a remote desert oasis.
- Lake Havasu City: 38 miles southwest, featuring the London Bridge, water sports, and vibrant dining and shopping.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Yucca offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 44 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The community is small and quiet, with a low crime rate and a focus on desert living. Its affordability, clear skies, and proximity to Kingman’s amenities are key draws, though summer heat and limited services require self-sufficiency. Residents enjoy stargazing and occasional community gatherings at local businesses like the Stagecoach 66 Motel.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Yucca via Interstate 40 from Kingman (24 miles northeast) or Lake Havasu City (38 miles southwest). Stay at the Stagecoach 66 Motel, explore Hualapai Mountain Park, or visit Lake Havasu City for water sports and the London Bridge. Kingman offers Route 66 attractions, dining, and shopping. For extended trips, the Grand Canyon South Rim is 150 miles northeast, and Las Vegas is 120 miles northwest. Yucca is a peaceful stop for desert and Route 66 enthusiasts.