Taylor, on the banks of Silver Creek, is in a broad, flat valley in east-central Arizona. The Mogollon Rim to the south and White Mountains to the west form an almost continuous barrier protecting Taylor from severe winters while creating a semi-arid climate. Taylor was settled in 1881 by James Pearce and named after John Taylor, English-born president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Taylor has several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Principal Economic Activities

With the proximity of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, NOVO Power, a biomass energy generator, and Tri-Star Trucking have formed a partnership. They have located a sawmill adjacent to the biomass plant just west of the town. The lumberjack mill nearby has increased production and jobs under the 4-Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). Taylor is home to the corporate offices of Brimhall Sand and Rock, Hatch Construction and Paving, and Reidhead Sand and Rock. The Northeast Arizona Training Center is home to the Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy (NALETA). It also offers fire-service classes through Northland Pioneer College. The facility’s burn tower and driving track draw agencies from around the area. Taylor Municipal Airport boasts a 75 by 7,500-foot runway for corporate visitors. Ample land in the surrounding area makes Taylor an attractive opportunity for businesses looking for a new location.

Scenic Attractions

The Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert and Navajo Indian Reservation, including Monument Valley, lie to the north of Taylor. The majestic White Mountains, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and the Mogollon Rim lakes for fishing, boating and swimming are located just south. Sunrise Ski Resort is one hour south on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Taylor has numerous registered historic sites and homes for tour. Many of these sites are included on the Trail of Many Tracks driving tour. A museum is in the center of town with one of the first one-room schools in Arizona.

Community Facilities

Taylor offers many community facilities including municipal parks with ramadas, picnic and barbeque facilities, walking trails, playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields and volleyball, basketball and racquetball courts. The city is home to a lighted, professional rodeo arena seating more than 5,000. Independence Day celebrations offer the earliest daytime parade in Arizona at five a.m. The festivities include firing the anvil, patriotic programs, a professional rodeo, community barbecue, fireworks and dances. A Sweet Corn Festival is held annually at Labor Day with parades, corn vendors, barbeque, craft vendors and dances. Numerous restaurants and fast food establishments are available.

Basic Information

Founded 1881 Incorporated 1966
Elevation 5,640 ft. Location Navajo County
     
Distance to major cities:
Phoenix 175 miles San Diego 529 miles
Tucson 225 miles Los Angeles 547 miles
Las Vegas 373 miles  

Population

2000 2010 2023 (est.)
Taylor 3,176 4,126 4,065
Navajo County 97,470 107,677 107,748
State of Arizona 5,130,632 6,401,569 7,285,370

Office of Economic Opportunity

Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation

SALES TAX / TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX

Taylor 2.00%
Navajo County 0.50%
State 5.60%

Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation

Labor Force

2000 2010 2022
Civilian Labor Force 1,311 1,889 1,624
Unemployed 43 137 136
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 7.3% 8.4%

Office of Economic Opportunity

Workforce Education Attainment

Count Share
Less than high school 269 9.3%
High school or equivalent, no college 747 25.8%
Some college or Associate degree 1,453 50.2%
Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree 426 14.7%

American Community Survey

Industry (ranked by employment)

  Count Share
Education, health care & social assistance 278 19.9%
Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services 202 14.4%
Retail trade 187 13.4%
Other services, except public administration 124 8.9%
Finance, insurance & real estate 119 8.5%
Construction 96 6.9%
Transportation, warehousing, & utilities 87 6.2%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining 71 5.1%
Public administration 66 4.7%
Manufacturing 61 4.4%
Professional, scientific, & administrative services 47 3.4%
Wholesale trade 33 2.4%
Information 29 2.1%

American Community Survey

This profile was prepared by the Arizona Commerce Authority in cooperation with local sources. For further information, please contact:

Town of Taylor
Gus Lundberg
P.O. Box 158
425 Papermill Road
Taylor, AZ 85939
Phone: 928-536-7366
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tayloraz.org
Navajo County Economic Development
100 E. Code Talkers Drive, South Highway 777, P.O. Box 668
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Phone: 928-524-4000
Website: www.navajocountyaz.gov
Snowflake/Taylor Chamber of
Commerce

110 N. Main
Snowflake, AZ 85937
Phone: 928-536-4331
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.snowflaketaylorchamber.org
Arizona Commerce Authority
Statewide Economic Development Group
100 N. 7th Ave., Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-845-1200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.azcommerce.com



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