10 Things Every New Mohave County Resident Should Know

Aug 18

5 min read

By The Mohave Insider

MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ — Moving to Mohave County can mean trading crowded cities for open desert, mountain views, the Colorado River, Route 66 and communities where rural living is still very much a part of everyday life.

But living here also comes with a few things newcomers may not expect.

Mohave County had an estimated 228,102 residents in 2025, spread across more than 13,300 square miles of land. That means life here can look very different depending on whether you settle in Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Colorado City or one of the county's many unincorporated communities.

Here are 10 things every new Mohave County resident should know.

1. Mohave County Is Huge — Plan for Distance

Mohave County isn't one compact metropolitan area. Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and Colorado City are the county's four principal incorporated cities, while thousands of residents live in communities such as Golden Valley, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Dolan Springs, Chloride, Meadview and other rural areas.

A doctor's appointment, government service, specialty store or family event may require a substantial drive.

For newcomers, one of the first lessons is simple: check the distance before assuming something is “nearby.”

Keeping water, a phone charger and basic emergency supplies in your vehicle is also a sensible habit when traveling through remote portions of the county.

2. The Weather Can Change Dramatically Depending on Where You Live

Not every part of Mohave County has the same climate.

Kingman sits roughly 3,300 to 3,800 feet above sea level, while communities closer to the Colorado River sit much lower.

That difference matters.

River communities can experience intense summer heat, while higher-elevation areas around Kingman and the Hualapai Mountains can be considerably cooler and can even see winter snow.

New residents should prepare for the weather of their specific community, not simply assume that “Arizona is hot.”

And during extreme heat, hydration and limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day can be critical.

3. Monsoon Season Is More Than a Little Desert Rain

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers can be Arizona's monsoon storms.

A dry wash or roadway can change quickly when heavy rain falls upstream. The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding can occur miles away from the thunderstorm producing the rain.

The most important rule is one Arizonans hear repeatedly:

Never drive through floodwater.

You may not know how deep it is, whether the roadway underneath has been damaged or how strong the current is.

Mohave County also maintains an Alert Center containing information about flood alerts and road closures.

4. Rural Property Requires Homework Before You Buy

That inexpensive piece of desert property may look perfect online, but rural land comes with questions that should be answered before purchasing.

Does it have legal access?

Is the road maintained?

Is electricity available?

Does it have a well or hauled-water system?

Is there an approved septic system?

Is it in a flood zone?

What is the zoning?

Mohave County requires approved septic systems for projects with plumbing in areas relying on on-site wastewater systems, and county Development Services handles a variety of building, septic, floodplain and zoning requirements.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources also maintains records for registered wells that can be searched using parcel and other information.

“I own the land” does not automatically mean “I can build anything I want on it.”

Do the research first.

5. Yes, You Really May See Burros in the Road

Especially around Oatman, Golden Valley and the Black Mountains, wild burros are part of life in Mohave County.

The Bureau of Land Management's Black Mountain Herd Management Area covers approximately 1.1 million acres west of Kingman and stretches along the eastern side of the Colorado River.

They may be charming, but they are still undomesticated animals.

The BLM specifically warns that wild burros can be dangerous, and vehicle collisions involving burros have become a public-safety concern in the region.

If you see animals near the highway, slow down and give them room.

6. Desert Roads Demand Respect

Mohave County residents regularly travel stretches of Interstate 40, U.S. 93, State Route 95, Historic Route 66 and numerous rural roads.

Strong wind, blowing dust, flash flooding, wildlife and long distances between services can all create hazards.

If you're caught in severe blowing dust, the Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to safely get completely off the paved roadway when possible, turn off vehicle lights, set the parking brake, keep seat belts fastened and wait for conditions to improve.

And if you're heading into remote country, don't assume every road is paved—or that your cellphone will always be your backup plan.

7. Know Who Actually Governs Your Property

Living in “Kingman” does not necessarily mean you live inside the City of Kingman.

The same issue can arise around Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and other communities.

Many residents have a mailing address associated with a nearby city or community but actually live in unincorporated Mohave County.

That distinction can determine which government handles roads, permits, zoning, law enforcement and other services.

Mohave County provides an online GIS Public Map Viewer showing parcels, streets, aerial imagery and other geographic information that can help residents understand where their property sits.

Knowing whether you live inside municipal limits or in unincorporated county territory can save a lot of confusion.

8. Sign Up for Emergency Information Before You Need It

Don't wait until smoke is visible or floodwater is crossing the road to figure out where to get emergency information.

Mohave County maintains emergency-management resources along with an online Alert Center for information such as flooding and road closures.

The Mohave County Sheriff's Office also supports Text-to-911. In an emergency where texting is necessary, residents can send a brief message to 911 that includes the location and type of emergency.

New residents should also learn their evacuation routes particularly those living in rural, flood-prone or wildfire-prone areas.

9. Arizona Doesn't Change Its Clocks

This one confuses newcomers every year.

Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The Navajo Nation is the notable exception.

That means Arizona's time relationship with other states changes during the year even though our clocks don't.

If you're scheduling work calls, flights, virtual appointments or conversations with relatives in another state, it's worth double-checking the time difference.

Longtime Arizonans are used to it.

New residents usually learn after one incorrectly scheduled Zoom meeting.

10. Mohave County Is More Than Desert

Yes, there's plenty of desert.

But there's also the Colorado River, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, the Hualapai Mountains, Historic Route 66, Oatman and huge stretches of public land.

The county reports more than 1,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, with boating, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation available throughout the region.

Public lands also come with rules. Fire restrictions can change with conditions, and some fire-related activities are prohibited year-round on BLM-managed land. Residents planning to camp, shoot or build a campfire should check current restrictions before heading out.

The desert is beautiful but respecting the heat, wildlife, water, fire danger and distance is part of enjoying it safely.

Welcome to Mohave County

Mohave County isn't for everyone, and that's part of what many residents love about it.

It is large, rural, independent and geographically diverse. You can spend the morning in the pine-covered Hualapai Mountains, drive Historic Route 66 through the desert and end the day along the Colorado River.

For newcomers, the best advice may be simple:

Learn your community. Prepare for the desert. Respect the weather. Know your property. Support your neighbors. And get involved.

Whether you've lived here for 30 years or arrived last week, Mohave County becomes stronger when residents understand the place they call home.

The Mohave Insider — Stay Informed. Stay Involved.