Where is Thatcher, Arizona Located in the United States? Thatcher is a city located in the Graham County of Arizona, United States. Thatcher lies between 32.8498 Degrees North latitudes and -109.759 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Thatcher in Graham County, Arizona
About Map: The map shows the location of Thatcher in the state of Arizona, United States. Thatcher is a city in Graham County, Arizona.
Thatcher Map, Arizona, USA
About Thatcher Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Thatcher in Arizona, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Thatcher.
About Thatcher, Graham County, Arizona
Thatcher is a town located in Graham County in the U.S. state of Arizona, United States. Situated in southeastern Arizona in the Gila Valley, the town lies east of Safford and serves as a residential and educational community within Graham County. Thatcher was established in 1881 and was named after Moses Thatcher, an early leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The town has developed into a small community with strong ties to agriculture and education.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Thatcher is 4,865 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 900 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Thatcher covers a total area of approximately 5.3 square miles (about 13.73 square kilometers), including about 5.3 square miles (13.73 square kilometers) of land and less than 0.1 square miles (0.01 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Thatcher is located in southeastern Arizona within Graham County, approximately 160 miles east of Phoenix. The surrounding region features agricultural land, desert landscapes, and nearby mountain ranges that define the Gila Valley.
Attractions and Recreation
Thatcher offers parks, recreational facilities, and community attractions for residents and visitors. The town is home to Eastern Arizona College, contributing to education and cultural life in the region. Nearby outdoor areas provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of southeastern Arizona.
Transportation
Thatcher is served by U.S. Route 70, providing connections to nearby communities including Safford and Globe. The nearest major airport serving the area is Tucson International Airport, located about 120 miles southwest of the town.
Explore more cities and counties across Arizona or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official Town of Thatcher Website.
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Thatcher, Arizona Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Town | Thatcher |
| County | Graham County |
| State | Arizona |
| State Capital | Phoenix |
| US Region | Western United States |
| Latitude | 32.8501° N |
| Longitude | 109.7601° W |
| Elevation | Approximately 2,858 ft (871 m) |
| Land Area | 5.2 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.0 sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.2 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,231 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,006 per sq mi |
| ZIP Code | 85552 |
| Area Code | 928 |
| Time Zone Standard | Mountain Standard Time (MST), UTC−7 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 04-72540 |
| Community Type | Town |
Transportation and Connectivity in Thatcher, Arizona
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Safford Regional Airport |
| IATA Code | SAD |
| Major Airport Nearby | Tucson International Airport |
| Port | No major port; inland Arizona community |
| Major Highways | US Highway 70, US Highway 191, State Route 366 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | No direct Amtrak service; nearest stations are in other Arizona cities |
| Local Transit Service | Graham County regional transportation services |
- US Highway 70 — Main east-west route connecting Thatcher with Safford, Globe, and eastern Arizona communities.
- US Highway 191 — Major north-south highway connecting southeastern Arizona with northern destinations.
- State Route 366 — Scenic route providing access to the Pinaleño Mountains and Mount Graham area.
Top Places to Visit in Thatcher, Arizona
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Eastern Arizona College | College Campus and Cultural Site |
| Mount Graham International Observatory | Astronomical Research Facility |
| Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area | Natural Preserve |
| Roper Lake State Park | State Park |
| Dankworth Pond State Park | Recreation Area |
| Pinaleño Mountains | Mountain Recreation Area |
| Graham County Historical Society Museum | History Museum |
| Safford Downtown Historic District | Historic District |
| Discovery Park | Science and Recreation Park |
| Gila River | Natural Landmark |
Driving Distances from Thatcher, Arizona to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safford | Arizona | 4 mi | 10 minutes |
| Globe | Arizona | 90 mi | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Tucson | Arizona | 115 mi | 2 hours |
| Show Low | Arizona | 130 mi | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Las Cruces | New Mexico | 150 mi | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Phoenix | Arizona | 175 mi | 3 hours |
| Flagstaff | Arizona | 260 mi | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Albuquerque | New Mexico | 280 mi | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | 430 mi | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| San Diego | California | 430 mi | 6 hours 45 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near Thatcher, Arizona
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Arizona College | Public | Community College | Associate degrees, career training, and transfer programs |
| Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus | Public | University | Technology, engineering, and professional programs |
| University of Arizona | Public | University | Research, sciences, medicine, and education programs |
| New Mexico State University | Public | University | Agriculture, engineering, and research programs |
| Graham County School District | Public | K–12 District | Local public education |
Waterbodies Near Thatcher, Arizona
Gila River, Roper Lake, Dankworth Pond, Frye Creek, San Carlos Lake
Golf Courses and Stadiums Near Thatcher
Golf Courses: Mount Graham Golf Course, Graham County Golf Course, San Carlos Apache Golf Course. Stadiums: Eastern Arizona College Gila Monsters Athletic Facilities, Safford High School Stadium.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Thatcher, Arizona
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park Campus | Science and Education Facility |
| Mount Graham International Observatory | Research Observatory |
| Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area | Natural Preserve |
| Roper Lake State Park | State Park |
| Dankworth Pond State Park | Recreation Area |
| Pinaleño Mountains | Mountain Landmark |
| Graham County Historical Society Museum | History Museum |
| Discovery Park | Educational Attraction |
Thatcher, Arizona — Key Historical Facts
- Thatcher was founded in 1881 by Mormon settlers led by Christopher Layton and was named after early settler Moses Thatcher.
- The town developed as an agricultural community in the Gila River Valley, with farming supported by local irrigation systems.
- Eastern Arizona College, established in 1888, became one of the oldest community colleges in Arizona and a major part of Thatcher's identity.
- The nearby Pinaleño Mountains and Mount Graham have contributed to the area's importance for science, recreation, and conservation.
- Today, Thatcher is known for education, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and its connection with the wider Gila Valley region.
References
- United States Census Bureau
- Town of Thatcher Official Website
- Graham County Official Website
- State of Arizona Official Website
- Visit Arizona Tourism
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