With a population of 97,908 as of the 2020 census, Yuma is a city located in the southwest corner of Arizona just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Yuma is the county seat of Yuma County and is the largest city in the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Yuma was founded in 1870 and incorporated as a city in 1914. For thousands of years, the land was inhabited by Native American tribes including the Quechan and Cocopah. The first European settlement was a Spanish colonial fort built in what is now downtown Yuma in 1781. Yuma later became part of Mexico before the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 made it part of the United States.
Geography and Climate
Yuma is located on the Colorado River near the confluence of California, Arizona and the country of Mexico. This location has made it an important crossing for travelers and trade routes over the centuries. The city has a hot desert climate, with extremely high temperatures in the summer. Yuma averages just over 3 inches of rain annually.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Yuma had a population of 97,908 making it the 11th largest city in Arizona. The racial makeup of Yuma is:
- White alone, non-Hispanic – 62.2%
- Hispanic or Latino – 84.6%
- Black or African American alone – 3.2%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone – 1.5%
- Asian alone – 1.5%
Yuma has seen steady population grown over the last decade, with a 15.5% increase from 2010 to 2020. The median age in Yuma is 32.6 years old. Approximately 29.7% of the population is under age 18.
Economy and Major Employers
Yuma has a diverse economy focused heavily on agriculture and military spending. According to the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, the top employers in Yuma are:
- Marine Corps Air Station Yuma – 8,000 jobs
- Yuma Proving Ground – 1,734 jobs
- Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific – 990 jobs
- Yuma Regional Medical Center – 963 jobs
- Yuma Union High School District – 930 jobs
Agriculture and food production also play a major role in Yuma’s economy. The Yuma area produces 90% of the winter vegetables for the U.S. and Canada including lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and carrots. Detailed information on Yuma’s economy can be found on the Yuma County economic development website.
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the most popular attractions and activities in Yuma include:
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Large protected area with hiking trails showcasing the unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem
- Yuma Civic Center – Event venue and cultural center featuring plays, concerts, conferences and more
- Colorado River tours – Boat tours on the Colorado River for wildlife viewing and sightseeing
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park – Historic former prison turned museum that housed notorious Old West outlaws
- Nightlife – Bars, breweries, clubs and entertainment in historic downtown Yuma
Sports
The Yuma Desert Dawgs are a minor league baseball team playing in the Arizona Winter League at Desert Sun Stadium. Yuma also has youth, high school and adult recreational sports leagues for a variety of sports.
Education
Public education in Yuma is provided by the Yuma Union High School District and Yuma Elementary School District One. Higher education options include Arizona Western College, a community college, and satellite campuses for Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
Transportation
Yuma International Airport provides air service to Phoenix and other regional destinations. Greyhound operates a bus station in Yuma providing service around Arizona and to parts of California. Interstate 8 is the major highway through Yuma. Public bus transit is provided by Yuma County Area Transit.