Greenlee Greenlee

Greenlee County

Updated on: April 13, 2022
State
Arizona
County Seat:
Clifton
Year Organized:
1909
Total Square Miles:
1848.433
Population:
9455 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
5

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Board of Supervisors
Size of Legislative Body:
3

Demographics

2018 Population:
9455
25 to 64 Years of Age:
50.70%
65 Years of Age and Older:
13.16%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$1.8 B
Labor Force:
4,280
Unemployment Rate:
4.30%

County Contact

PO Box 908
Clifton, AZ, 85533-0908

http://www.co.greenlee.az.us

Greenlee County is one of the US counties in Arizona State, with its county seat in Clifton. Derived from the Graham region in 1909, this province is Arizona’s 14th County in the US. As the first congressional district, it got its name after Mason Greenlee, an early settler in the Clifton area. 

The land is unique, with a history of active volcano eruptions and dinosaurs, unlike other nearby counties. In addition, indigenous settlers engaged in hunting and fishing for many years before mining took center stage. 

So, visitors wishing to explore this outstanding province must trace it along the New Mexico border in the eastern AZ area. Greenlee County neighbors several counties from all four sides. These are: 

  • Catron – East 
  • Grant, New Mexico – East 
  • Cochise – South 
  • Apache – North 
  • Graham – West 
  • Hidalgo, New Mexico – Southeast 

Economy 

Greenlee is a unique county, with mining being the primary income-generating activity in its cities and towns. The Morenci Mine near Morenci town is the largest copper mining plant globally.  

The county’s population by July 2021 is estimated to be about 9,400 people as per US National Census. Furthermore, the report shows from 2016 to 2020, 85 percent of persons aged 25 years and above had no degree of education. The civilian labor force takes the highest percentage of employment.  

However, the job market decreased last year with an employment rate of 5.4 percent compared to the US average of 6.0 percent. 

The region has different races spread around its county, cities, and towns. The whites take up about 90 percent of the population, followed by people of Latino or Hispanic origin. However, most citizens live in the rural areas while engaging in various activities making up the base of their economy. 

For example, the county depends on mining industries like copper, lead, nickel, and a few metal undertakings. In addition, because of land shortage, citizens do agricultural activities. Such actions are limited to cash crops like corn and grazing in 103 square miles. Hence, the beef cattle ranches are another dominant practice in this region, followed by cash crop farming.   

Five Amazing Greenlee County Top Attractions 

This area has all the fun things to do in Arizona State. There are notable zoos, botanical gardens, parks, fishing lakes, campgrounds, lakes, hot spring resorts, and exhibition centers. Here are some exceptional sites to sample.  

1. The Camelback Mountain 

Cycling and mountaineering lovers, the camelback is a perfect stop for such actions. The ancient trees will complicate maneuvering; visitors should get a guide for easy and fast access. The best time to visit and experience the incredible scenery is in July during summer. 

2. Courthouse 

The county courthouse in Clifton has not one but several debates. Each group of settlers wanted it on their side. For example, some preferred its set up in the Eastside, as it was a vital area in the town. The contractor used around $43,000 to build it, including the adjacent county jail. 

Greenlee County Courthouse has witnessed two renovations since its construction in 1911 before hosting the current offices. While in the province, you may visit this busy center for judicial operations. 

3. ASU Art Museum 

The Arizona State University art collection is a beautiful experience for artists and their works. There is no excuse to miss this exciting tour, whether it’s summer or winter. 

4. Fishing Activities 

This area has rivers flowing with fresh water all year round. Apart from grayling, brook trout, catfish, fishers will trap Apache trout during their fishing adventures. Therefore, visit Lake Aker, Blue River Recreational Fish Hatchery, and Black River Mainstream Trail. 

5. Morenci Mine 

The history here is fascinating; no matter your interests and collection, this place will surprise you. It is exciting and eye-catching to see miners in action; hence, the need to visit this place. As the largest open-pit mine globally, Morenci Mine’s primary reserve is copper. 

Tourists at the site can trace the mine on the Greenlee county map using their android phones. Choose your starting point and pick your location to kickstart your thrilling tour. It is located outside Morenci and Clifton towns in Arizona State. 

County Public Records 

Persons looking for free county public records in Greenlee County, AZ, have more accessible ways to do it. Using the official website, it is possible to find essential documents, including: 

  • Birth and death certificate 
  • Property records 
  • Criminal records 
  • Judgments 
  • Arrests 
  • Court 
  • Inmate databases 
  • Recorded documents like deeds and liens 

County Offices 

For the smooth running of services to the citizens, a county must have several independent departments. Therefore, Greenlee County, AZ, has county offices where you can retrieve and search essential county public records. Also, there are both elected and appointed officials serving in various capacities to manage these data.   

For more details, get in touch with the following county offices. 

Joann Cathcart is the county’s assessor in charge of personal property and real estate values, not taxes within the region. Her official contacts are telephone 865-5302 or email [email protected]

The clerk of the Superior Court maintains court records and supports the court officials. Other duties include administering oaths to assessors and witnesses alongside other responsibilities. Madeline Montoya heads this unit, assisted by her chief deputy Lisa Stacy. The official office contacts are telephone 865-4242 or email [email protected]

Sheriff Tim Sumner runs the Sheriff’s office in Greenlee County, AZ. His primary duties involve delivering legal state documents and enforcing the law in the said county. The official contacts are telephone 865-4149 or email [email protected]

The responsibilities of the county attorney are representing the region in public matters and other civil disputes. Also, he is the official legal advisor to the Greenlee County government and attends meetings of the executive. 

Today, the current attorney in charge of the Greenlee region is Jeremy Ford, assisted by his chief deputy Robert Gilliland. The official contact includes email [email protected] or telephone 865-4108. 

So, if you are struggling to get a gateway for your summer vacation, try Greenlee County, AZ. It is safe, exciting, and full of adventure activities alongside ancient-style, mouth-watering eateries. Contact the above county officials for any inquiries while visiting this Arizona County.