Wellton is a town in
Yuma County,
Arizona
Arizona is a U.S. state, state in the Southwestern United States, Southwestern region of the United States, sharing the Four Corners region of the western United States with Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It also borders Nevada to the nort ...
, United States. According to the
2020 census, the population of the town is 2,375.
It is part of the
Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
According to the
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the town has a total area of , all land.
Wellton is located along
Interstate 8
Interstate 8 (I-8) is an Interstate Highway in the southwestern United States. It runs from the southern edge of Mission Bay at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in San Diego, California, almost at the Pacific Ocean, to the junction with I-10, ...
and the former route of
U.S. Route 80
U.S. Route 80 or U.S. Highway 80 (US 80) is a major east–west United States Numbered Highway in the Southern United States, much of which was once part of the early auto trail known as the Dixie Overland Highway. As the "0" in the ...
. The town was named after the wells providing water for the railroad. Wellton's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, and the town prides itself on its rich farming heritage. The region's fertile soil and abundant water supply have made it an ideal location for growing crops such as lettuce, onions, and cotton. Visitors can learn about the town's agricultural past at the Wellton Mohawk Valley Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town's early settlers and their contributions to agricultural development in the area.
Demographics
At the
2000 census, there were 1,829 people, 700 households, and 552 families in the town. The population density was . There were 1,144 housing units at an average density of . The
racial makeup of the town was 68.2% White, 2.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 25.4% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. 40.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 700 households 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 17.7% of households were one person and 10.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.95.
The age distribution was 23.9% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% 65 or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.
The median household income was $27,045 and the median family income was $30,071. Males had a median income of $27,292 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,644. About 16.1% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the
poverty line
The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.
Population
During the winter season, the population virtually doubles with
snowbirds
Snowbird may refer to:
Places
* Snowbird, Utah, an unincorporated area and associated ski resort in the United States
* Snowbird Lake, a lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada
* Snowbird Glacier, a hanging alpine glacier in the Talkeetna Moun ...
from the western US as well as the western provinces of Canada filling up the many RV parks. Wellton is becoming a popular retirement destination.
The town currently operates two 18-hole golf courses that are a magnet for winter visitors. Much development is happening centered on the newer golf course and also in more rural areas as well.
Notable people
*
Derald Langham (1913–1991), agricultural geneticist
Economy
Five Rivers Cattle Feeding operates a feedlot outside Wellton.
US Border Patrol
The United States Border Patrol (USBP) is a Federal law enforcement in the United States, federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is responsible for secu ...
has a station outside of Wellton.
Wellton Station
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Transportation
* Yuma County Area Transit
* Interstate 8
Interstate 8 (I-8) is an Interstate Highway in the southwestern United States. It runs from the southern edge of Mission Bay at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in San Diego, California, almost at the Pacific Ocean, to the junction with I-10, ...
Education
Wellton is served by the Wellton Elementary School District and the Antelope Union High School District.
Gallery
File:Wellton-Wellton Hay and Grain Buildiiing-1935.jpg, Wellton Hay and Grain Building-1935
File:Wellton-Wellton Community Presbyterian Church.jpg, Wellton Community Presbyterian Church
File:Wellton-Ligurta Station Barn-1920.jpg, Old Barn
References
External links
Town website
{{authority control
Towns in Yuma County, Arizona