Parker is on the east bank of the Colorado River. The Parker vicinity consists of a number of separate but interrelated areas: the Town of Parker, Parker South, the Arizona side of the Colorado River area and the communities on the California side. The town was established in 1871 and moved some four miles north to the site of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad crossing. In May 1982, by initiative petition, voters formed La Paz County from the northern portion of Yuma County. On Jan. 1, 1983, Parker became the county seat for La Paz County.

Principal Economic Activities

Parker's economy is based primarily on tourism, retail trade and services. The 16-mile strip of the Colorado River between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock Dam provides many water-based recreational activities and makes Parker a destination point for tourists and winter visitors. Parker serves as the trade and business center for the Colorado River Indian Reservation and area small towns. Agriculture, historically the major economic base of Parker, continues to contribute to the economy.

Scenic Attractions

The Colorado River and its lakes offer variety of water recreation activities. Parker Dam, the deepest dam in the world, is a must-see attraction. Buckskin State Park, 11 miles north, has acres of green grass and shade trees. River Island State Park has 26 campsites, day-use areas and boat launches. La Paz County Park, eight miles north, has campgrounds, showers, a launching ramp, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, hook-ups and a dump station. A variety of amenities are offered at the 30 RV parks and campgrounds. The surrounding desert is suitable for off-road vehicles and rockhounding. The Colorado River Indian Tribes operate a museum with an extensive collection of locally crafted Native American artifacts. The tribes also operate the Blue Water Resort, a 200-room hotel and casino. In January and October, two large off-road races are held and organized by Parker and Best in the Desert. The annual tube float is presented by the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce in June.

Community Facilities

Parker's community facilities include one museum, two libraries and the Colorado River Indian Tribal Museum. The recreational facilities include six area parks, two rodeo arenas, two senior centers, one 18-hole golf course, an Olympic-size swimming pool, three lighted tennis courts, a recreation center, a golf driving range and several basketball, handball and badminton courts. At the Blue Water Resort, there is miniature golf, an arcade and a movie theater.

Basic Information

Founded 1871 Incorporated 1948
Elevation 420 ft. Location La Paz County
     
Distance to major cities:
Phoenix 169 miles San Diego 264 miles
Tucson 279 miles Los Angeles 261 miles
Las Vegas 179 miles  

Population

2000 2010 2023 (est.)
Parker 3,140 3,088 3,431
La Paz County 19,715 20,495 16,820
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

Parker 2.00%
La Paz County 2.00%
State 5.60%

Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation

Labor Force

2000 2010 2022
Civilian Labor Force 1,649 1,655 2,217
Unemployed 98 131 29
Unemployment Rate 5.9% 7.9% 1.3%

Office of Economic Opportunity

Workforce Education Attainment

Count Share
Less than high school 381 19.4%
High school or equivalent, no college 686 35.0%
Some college or Associate degree 631 32.2%
Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree 262 13.4%

American Community Survey

Industry (ranked by employment)

  Count Share
Education, health care & social assistance 346 20.9%
Public administration 314 18.9%
Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services 311 18.8%
Retail trade 284 17.1%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining 130 7.8%
Finance, insurance & real estate 70 4.2%
Professional, scientific, & administrative services 56 3.4%
Transportation, warehousing, & utilities 46 2.8%
Manufacturing 40 2.4%
Other services, except public administration 36 2.2%
Construction 24 1.4%
Information 0 0.0%
Wholesale trade 0 0.0%

American Community Survey

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

Town of Parker
Lori Wedemeyer
1314 11th Street
Parker, AZ 85344
Phone: 928-669-9265
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.townofparkerarizona.com
La Paz Economic Development
D.L. Wilson
Po Box 225
Skip Becker
Parker, AZ 85344
Phone: 928-669-8272
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lapazedc.org
Town of Parker, Community
Development

P.O. Box 610
Parker, AZ 85344
Phone: 928-669-9265
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.townofparkerarizona.com
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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