Cochise County

Cochise County got its unique name from Chief Cochise, the Native American. He was famous for settlement raids in 1800 and as a Chiricahuas leader. During the 11th Territorial Assembly in 1881, this district started its operations from Pima County. 

The area has several cities, though Sierra Vista is the largest compared to other county cities and towns in Arizona. Visitors to Cochise County may trace it from the southeastern corner of Arizona State of the US bordering Mexican and New Mexico countries and several counties like: 

• Santa Cruz County, AZ 
• Hidalgo, NM 
• Greenlee County, AZ 
• Pima County AZ 
• Graham County, AZ 

The 2019-2020 US census reveals the region’s diverse population to be over 125,400 people. Females top the list while white (Non-Hispanic) races are the highest among the five largest ethnic groups.  

Most people have a basic education level, with 25 percent of persons 25 years and above being graduates. The largest higher institutions are the University of Arizona-Sierra Vista and Cochise County Community College. 

Departments 

For smooth operations and management, the county administrator is the head of this district. Its county seat has been Bisbee, AZ, since 1929. In addition, the Board of Supervisors are elected officials to assist in governing and making county policies. 

Nevertheless, the administrator has a significant role in ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens. Some of his responsibilities go beyond day-to-day county management. For example, the administrator: 

• Creates and implements the county’s over $180 million budget. 
• Carries out programs and guidelines passed by the Board of Supervisors as the governing body. 
• Supervises most departments like elections and finance. 

There are over 18 departments to help run this county. Each has its purpose in achieving its role. Some perfect examples are: 

• County Administration 
• County Attorney 
• Development Services 
• Clerk of the Board 
• Elections 
• Health & Social Services 
• Human Resource 
• Library 
• Sheriff 
• Public Works 
• Treasurer 

Economy 

Cochise region is home to diverse geographical factors boosting its economy to outshine other county cities and towns in Arizona. Most citizens are well educated, hence, offering the county labor with a great wealth of skills and knowledge. 

Some of its matchless indicators are low taxes, pro-growth, and accessible, affordable transport systems. Other wealth promoters are superior education and medical health, alongside adequate land opportunities. 

Land ownership here has almost equal distribution, as illustrated below. 

Private land occupies 40 percent, state land is 35 percent, and federal land takes 22 percent per the 2011 population records.   

Its cattle rearing depends on the high-desert terrain and mountain grasslands. Meanwhile, its major rivers, San Pedro and Santa Cruz enhance its agricultural trade. One activity not left behind is vineyard farming alongside the three primary income sources, namely, cotton, cattle, and copper. Nevertheless, history shows mining and archeological activities were active along the above rivers. 

Today, its job market is down with an unemployment rate of 5.9 percent compared to the US average of 6.0 percent. The average income is $23,552 per year; hence, researchers predict a rise in the coming years. 

Most residents are in the public administration sector, followed by health care, social services, and retail trade. Although the county has moderate weather suitable for farming, most people prefer white-collar jobs.   

The Board of Supervisors has ensured its strategic plan for this and the following three years is successful. 

Tourism 

What tourists and other visiting guests have to do in Cochise County, AZ, is endless. Its favorable climate of sunny days to twinkling nights allows visitors and residents to disconnect and recharge. Tourists have it all, from biking at the Chiricahuas Mountain, hiking at Pearce/Sunsites, to golfing under some friendly climate. 

Other great activities are bird watching in St David town, camping, golfing to wine, and dining; the adventure list is endless. The clear blue skies give an exceptional and relaxed ambiance for non-stop, simple selfies. 

For the cave tour lovers, Karchner Caverns State Park is one place everyone desires to land. The premier caves give a humble opportunity to grasp some history while there. Also, the Tombstone and Bisbee are historical ghost towns; nobody wishes to miss such an experience. Tourists leaving this county carry hundreds of videos and photos for educational and informative purposes.   

Overall, the county map has wonderful communities to kickstart county exploration. In addition, there are accurate pin drops to reveal fantastic upcoming and ongoing events around the county. Some remarkable communities, rural areas, and small towns to click on are Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, and Sierra Vista, among others. 

County Public Records 

The county public records system offers free service to citizens who wish to search for essential official documents. There are tens of updated, different available data for general retrieval and inspection. Interested parties have access to the data at the county offices under a few departments.  

For example, residents may visit the assessors, recorders, or county clerk offices for an instant, fast, and accurate report. Below are significant accounts to search at any time. 

• Inmate search 
• Jail roster and records 
• Gun license 
• Land records 
• Birth certificates 
• Building codes and permits 
• GIS maps 
• Employee directory 
• Divorce certificates 
• Court records 
• Accident records 
• Election results 
• Sex offender registry 
• Vital documents  
• Warrant reports 
• Police documents and reports 
• Voter registration 
• Tax records, warrants, and exemptions 
• Property documents  
• Business license 
• Contractor documents  
• Arrest records 
• Marriage certificates 
• Death certificates 
• Criminal records 

Cochise County Sheriff 

The Sheriff is a protection department in Cochise County, AZ. Law and order are vital for a county and its citizens to have peace. Hence, the county sheriff keeps such practice in check in collaboration with his deputy and other stakeholders. To achieve this, the department hosts various units to assist him in operations. 

Some of its core duties include giving general-service law enforcement to uncharted regions. Also, it’s a security agency serving Cochise County and arrests lawbreakers. The county jail system within Arizona State comes under this unit.   

The office discharges these functions from its headquarters in Bisbee, Arizona, with assistance from hundreds of employees. So, visitors or residents of this grand county are free to seek services at this performing office. Contact Sheriff Mark Dannels during office hours on 520-432-9500 about security matters.    

Cochise County Offices by Type