Tusayan is situated at the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The beautiful Kaibab National Forest borders the other three sides of the town, located in north-central Arizona. The town is surrounded by large pine trees interspersed with grassy meadows and occasional stands of aspen and oak. The Kaibab National Forest is one of the largest ponderosa pine forests on the continent. Tusayan offers resort amenities to serve the approximately six million tourists traveling from around the world to experience the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Tusayan’s economy is almost exclusively based on tourism-related retail businesses. The town encompasses more than 1,000 hotel rooms with restaurants, gift shops and entertainment establishments like the IMAX Theater. A number of tour operators offer unique jeep and horseback trips while aircraft companies provide exclusive plane and helicopter sightseeing experiences of the Grand Canyon. The town’s proximity to ski runs and cross-country skiing facilities provide for winter fun. The National Park Service and National Forest Service are major employers in this area. Additionally, a couple of cattle ranching enterprises contribute to the area’s economy.
The Grand Canyon attracts worldwide visitors hoping to experience the beauty and awe that can only be found here. Tusayan sits along the Arizona Trail and has been acknowledged as a “Gateway Community to the Grand Canyon." This area also is recognized for its exceptional hunting and wildlife watching experiences. A few lakes offer fishing in this region. Hiking and camping opportunities abound in the Kaibab National Forest, as well as on several private sites. The natural landscape provides enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast in this stunning Arizona region.
Tusayan currently consists of 144 developable acres with fewer than 10 privately-owned and occupied houses. The town has traditionally relied upon the Kaibab National Park for cultural, educational and recreational facilities. Tusayan, as Arizona’s 91st and newest incorporated community, offers a tot lot, restrooms, sports courts and fields, with more facilities being developed. Plans are in the works for additional cultural and recreational amenities with the potential development of two forest inholdings comprising about 350 acres within the town’s limits.
| Founded | (n/a) | Incorporated | 2010 |
| Elevation | 6,800 ft. | Location | Coconino County |
| Phoenix | 222 miles | San Diego | 546 miles |
| Tucson | 337 miles | Los Angeles | 485 miles |
| Las Vegas | 270 miles |
| 2000 | 2010 | 2023 (est.) | |
| Tusayan | 0 | 558 | 614 |
| Coconino County | 116,320 | 134,679 | 147,434 |
| State of Arizona | 5,130,632 | 6,401,569 | 7,285,370 |
Office of Economic Opportunity
Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
| Tusayan | 2.00% |
| Coconino County | 1.30% |
| State | 5.60% |
Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
| 2000 | 2010 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 406 | 258 | 233 |
| Unemployed | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Office of Economic Opportunity
| Count | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 15 | 6.7% |
| High school or equivalent, no college | 51 | 22.9% |
| Some college or Associate degree | 86 | 38.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree | 71 | 31.8% |
American Community Survey
| Count | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services | 105 | 46.3% |
| Transportation, warehousing, & utilities | 35 | 15.4% |
| Public administration | 34 | 15.0% |
| Education, health care & social assistance | 17 | 7.5% |
| Retail trade | 17 | 7.5% |
| Professional, scientific, & administrative services | 11 | 4.8% |
| Finance, insurance & real estate | 8 | 3.5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining | 0 | 0.0% |
| Construction | 0 | 0.0% |
| Information | 0 | 0.0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other services, except public administration | 0 | 0.0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0.0% |
American Community Survey
This profile was prepared by the Arizona Commerce Authority in cooperation with local sources. For further information, please contact: