Nestled in the scenic high desert of northwestern Arizona, Mohave County is quietly but decisively transforming. Over the past few years, the county has experienced an impressive wave of economic growth and industrial development that is reshaping its identity and future prospects. From bustling logistics hubs to an emerging film industry and a thriving tourism sector, Mohave County is evolving into a diverse and dynamic destination for both business and lifestyle.
One of the most striking aspects of Mohave County’s development is that many major companies are already operational, not just present on paper. “These are not projects we’re working on; these are companies that are here,” says Tami Ursenbach, Director of Economic Development for Mohave County. “They’re up and running. Employees are there.”
Among the most significant newcomers is Interstate Warehousing, which opened about a year and a half ago with 100 employees. The company quickly completed its second phase and is already discussing a third expansion. “They have a 278,000-square-foot office and freezer in Phase 1 and added another 200,000 square feet of freezer space,” Ursenbach says. Impressively, the company’s freezer space filled to 90 percent capacity within just two months of opening, underscoring the booming demand.
Other major companies have also chosen Mohave for their operations. FedEx has established a 200,000-square-foot facility employing around 200 people, while Flowserve is ramping up its engineering workforce. Crown has recently opened and is planning to hire 300 employees, and Dot Foods, which arrived in 2018 expecting to hire about 120, has already surpassed 300 employees and is preparing for a third expansion.
Even long-time industrial players like Nucor, which faced challenges with energy supply, stayed when the county helped secure additional power, resulting in 140 well-paying jobs at a new melt shop. “That’s a big win,” Ursenbach emphasizes, “because those are really good-paying jobs for our community.”
The growth is supported by substantial infrastructure development, especially around the Kingman Airport & Industrial Park, which stands as the largest industrial park in rural Arizona. It hosts more than 70 businesses and continues to expand. “Our industrial park is always changing and growing,” Ursenbach shares. To accommodate this growth, several new highway interchanges are under construction; one called the Flying Fortress interchange will directly connect I-40 to the industrial park, enhancing access for trucking and logistics.
Additionally, plans for the future I-11 corridor linking Highway 93 to I-40 will further improve regional connectivity, making Mohave an even more attractive location for businesses requiring seamless transport routes.
The county is also served by rail lines and several regional airports located in Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, and Colorado City. These transportation options support cargo shipments as well as limited commercial flights, significantly enhancing the region’s connectivity. The strategic location also allows businesses to reach major markets quickly by truck, with goods able to travel to Los Angeles in about five hours, Las Vegas in under two, and Phoenix in just over three hours, an invaluable advantage for companies operating in the area. “It’s all about being able to get product to market within a very short time,” says Ursenbach.
Infrastructure development in Mohave County extends well beyond roadways. The county has made significant efforts to address past challenges related to energy supply, successfully identifying solutions to increase capacity. These improvements are expected to provide new energy resources within the next one and a half to two years, supporting key sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and data centers. Ensuring adequate power availability has been essential, as it directly impacts the ability of businesses to operate efficiently and pursue expansion, making this a critical factor in sustaining the county’s growth trajectory.
Economic expansion depends heavily on workforce development, and Mohave County is making strategic moves to ensure its labor pool meets the needs of area employers. Through the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network grant, the county has been focusing on key sectors such as construction, medical services, hospitality, manufacturing, and transportation. “We’re building a pipeline from high school all the way up,” Ursenbach explains, “and we’re also helping incumbent workers upskill and move up in their industries.”
The opening of Mohave Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center marks a significant milestone. It offers courses in robotics, truck driving, and manufacturing trades, equipping students with skills directly relevant to the county’s growing employers. “This center is helping us train people right here at home for jobs that are right here at home. It’s a win-win for both the workers and the companies.”
Mohave County’s vast size—it’s the fifth largest county in the United States—means there is plenty of available land and numerous business-ready sites to accommodate growth. The county is currently in the process of applying for a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation, which is expected to offer significant financial advantages to businesses throughout the region. This designation will help companies save on costs related to tariffs and trade complexities, providing benefits regardless of where they choose to establish themselves within the county.
The county is also preparing for future growth with planned communities like Entrada, a massive development south of Las Vegas spanning ten thousand acres. Still in the early stages, Entrada is projected to take 20 to 30 years to fully develop and will combine residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Ursenbach states, “It’s going to be huge, and it shows the long-term vision we have for our region.”
While industrial growth grabs headlines, tourism and film are also emerging as vital sectors for Mohave County. Diverse attractions, from the Grand Canyon West with its glass bridge over the canyon, to Lake Havasu and the Colorado River, draw outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Next year’s 100th anniversary of Route 66 is a major focus for the county, with plans for festivals and events that will attract visitors and celebrate this iconic highway’s legacy. And to position itself for more film productions, “we’re working with the state to promote our scenic locations and we’ve put together resources, videos, photos, lists of local actors, and support services to help filmmakers shoot here,” Ursenbach tells us. “It’s a growing part of our economy, and we want to support it as much as possible.”
With Zion National Park restricting large vehicles, Mohave is seeing an uptick in visitors who can’t go through Zion and are discovering the northern part of the county instead. The county recently launched ExploreMohaveCounty.com as a dedicated platform to attract both tourists and businesses, highlighting everything the region offers.
Indeed, Mohave County offers a quality of life that blends rural charm with proximity to metropolitan hubs. Residents enjoy everything from the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon to recreational opportunities on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. “It’s a rural community with a great vibe, but you’re close to major markets. You really get the best of both worlds here.”
Perhaps most encouraging is the sense of collaboration driving Mohave’s success. Rather than competing, the county’s cities and towns are working together to promote the region as a whole.
“We’re partnering as a county instead of individual cities focusing on themselves,” Ursenbach shares. “If someone comes to Lake Havasu for the lake or the London Bridge, we encourage them to visit Grand Canyon West, Kingman and Route 66, or Bullhead City and the Colorado River. We want visitors and businesses to experience everything Mohave has to offer.”
This cooperative spirit extends to economic development as well. The Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network grant, for example, brings together partners from across five counties to focus on training and workforce readiness.
From large-scale industrial expansion and thoughtful infrastructure investment to a blossoming tourism and film industry, Mohave County is rewriting its story with bold ambition and a strong community spirit. As Tami Ursenbach says, “We’re excited about the future. We’re working hard to make sure businesses have what they need—energy, workforce, infrastructure—and that residents have a great place to live. It’s an exciting time to be here.”
With its strategic location, business-ready sites, and collaborative approach, Mohave County is poised to become a powerhouse not only in Arizona but in the broader Southwest region. Whether you’re a business looking to grow or someone seeking a vibrant community to call home, Mohave County offers opportunity, adventure, and the promise of a bright future.
