New River, Arizona

New River is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The population was 10,740 at the 2000 census.

Geography

New River is located at (33.869149, -112.085759).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 183.4 km² (70.8 mi²). 183.4 km² (70.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.01% is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 10,740 people, 3,921 households, and 3,066 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 58.5/km² (151.6/mi²). There were 4,514 housing units at an average density of 24.6/km² (63.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.87% White, 0.42% Black or African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 4.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,921 households out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.9% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 15.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 103.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $62,307, and the median income for a family was $68,604. Males had a median income of $46,361 versus $31,610 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,932. About 3.6% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

History of New River

New River is named after the seasonal wash of the same name, part of the Agua Fria River system which drains into the Salt River. Since its founding, New River has largely retained its rural character; however, its future as a rural community is uncertain as the city of Phoenix expands into the region.

In the mid 1990s, the Del Webb Corporation proposed a residential development roughly as large as Flagstaff, Arizona's eleventh largest city (2000 census). This instigated a short-lived self-incorporation campaign which failed due to lack of popular support. Phoenix in 1995 and again in 2003 annexed in the region and Del Webb in 1998 opened the newly built Anthem.

As development of the Phoenix metropolitan area continues northward, the broad area that is defined as New River is reduced closer to New River Road. The General Plan of Phoenix includes the entire New River area, making New River's future uncertain. Residents of newly built subdivisions often do not identify with the established residents of New River, often identifying instead with Phoenix or Anthem.

Neighboring Communities

Local Attractions

Cave Creek Regional Park
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Spur Cross Ranch

External links

Maricopa County, Arizona | Census-designated places in Arizona