Located in the heart of the Gila Valley, Thatcher is the geographic center of a growing and vibrant economic region. Within the town limits sits the tree-lined campus of Eastern Arizona College (EAC). Founded in 1888, Eastern Arizona College has a distinguished history as Arizona’s oldest community college. Additionally, the regional 18-hole golf course can be found within the municipal limits. Combining geographic location and transportation access, Thatcher boasts some of the region’s prime retail locations. Sales for the regional market exceed $840 million annually and growing. The town of Thatcher is a regional economic hub and is emerging as an upscale community within the Gila Valley.

Principal Economic Activities

Agriculture, once a mainstay of the Thatcher economy, is being eclipsed by higher education and the retail sector as the community’s economic drivers. Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. operates two major facilites in the region, Safford and Morenci, contributing more than $435 million annually to the regional economy. Freeport's Safford open-pit copper mining complex, located less than 12 miles from the Thatcher Town Hall, is a zero-discharge facility, and one of the most enviromentally advanced copper mines ever built. With its hub location, Thatcher is seeing retail trade and the service sector emerging as major players in its economic outlook. Former agricultural lands are now being converted to residential and retail uses.

Scenic Attractions

Coronado National Forest provides many recreational opportunities. Southwest of the town are the Pinaleno Mountains and the 10,720 foot Mount Graham. Swift Trail provides a route to the summit featuring picnic and camping sites. At alpine elevations above Thatcher lies Riggs Lake, an excellent camping and fishing destination. Scenic U.S. 70 connects Thatcher with recreation areas at San Carlos Lake and Coolidge Dam. To the west are Klondyke and Aravaipa Canyon, a designated primitive area. To the south, Roper Lake State Park features natural mineral water hot springs along with developed camping sites and excellent fishing. Other recreational opportunities include Hot Wells Dunes, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and Black Hills Back Country Byway. Thatcher is on the famous "Salsa Trail."

Community Facilities

A variety of recreational facilities are available in Thatcher ranging from tree-filled parks and ball diamonds to the regional municipal golf course. Residents also enjoy the comprehensive facilities of Eastern Arizona College with its gymnasium, wellness center, conference facilities and swimming pool. In addition to its academic and vocational courses, EAC offers a wealth of diverse cultural events from concerts to a summer arts program. Bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered through Northern Arizona University, located on the EAC campus.