Hidden away in the Arizona desert, the copper-mining community of Bagdad stands out in more ways than one. This town may derive its unique name from the fabled wealth of medieval Baghdad or from a 19th-century story involving a son asking his miner father for a bag to load copper ore. Locals may disagree about their town’s namesake, but members of this close-knit locale have breakfast at the same diner, congregate at the same community center, and send their elementary, middle and high schoolers to the same, unified school. In fact, Bagdad is one of two remaining “company towns” in the United States, meaning that nearly all residents are housed by, and affiliated with, the mining company. This smalltown charm, and the presence of a profitable mining industry, causes Bagdad to brand itself as “the Best Copper Town Anywhere.”
The Bagdad mine is the heart of the Bagdad community.
landmark
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Smalltown shops and restaurants
Bagdad’s smalltown culture may be best expressed through its popular local shops and restaurants. The Diner on Main, historically known as the Miner’s Diner, invites customers to eat Americana classics within a 1950s atmosphere. This diner is also a favorite of bike and car clubs coming in from Prescott, with Bagdad being the culmination of a scenic cruise up State Route 96. The Stacked Enchilada, which serves up Mexican street food staples, is a more recent addition. The local Bashas’ supermarket, located next to the Mexican restaurant, fulfills locals’ grocery needs.
The Main Street Cafe in Bagdad is a popular place to grab breakfast.
Stacked
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Cycling trails and community activities
Bagdad is not only surrounded by mountains, but also by opportunities for outdoor recreation. Extensive biking routes loop around Bagdad and allow for cyclists to take in mountaintop views of the nearby desert. At the heart of the community, golfers can hit the links at the Mesa View Golf Course, a community fixture for decades. The Bagdad Community Campus is home to an aquatic center and a CrossFit gym, keeping locals active and cool during the hot summer months. Thirty-one acres of nature are preserved at the Bridle Creek Riparian Habitat, where hikers can observe owls, eagles and other birds in their domestic domain. Families can head to the Main Street Park for a picnic under a ramada, playground fun or a game of horseshoes or basketball.
With a variety of trails to explore, Bagdad is a great place for bike riding when it's cool out.
Come to Bagdad during the cooler months to explore miles of hiking and biking trails.
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A town owned by Freeport-McMoRan
Bagdad is one of the few Old West mining communities that can still claim to be a “company town.” Most of the population is employed at the Freeport-McMoRan mine, and that same company owns nearly all the houses and most businesses in the town. All full-time Freeport employees are eligible to apply for housing, as are contractors; however, retirees and people not affiliated with the company are not eligible for housing owned by the company. Realtor Sammie Hone with Platinum Living Realty, who has sold land in the area, says, “Homebuyers won’t be able to buy a home in Bagdad. People who live there just work there because of the mine; there’s nothing for sale there apart from some vacant land on the outskirts.” Homebuyers can still purchase manufactured homes after meeting with the Townsite Supervisor, while many more commute from Prescott and Wickenburg until they get rental properties. Fifty-acre parcels of outlying land have sold for between $50,000 and $85,000.
Bagdad is a small town with a big community.
Bagdad is a town supported by the work at the local mine.
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STEM-focused schooling at Bagdad High
Bagdad’s students attend the schools of the Bagdad Unified School District, housed within the same building. Bagdad Elementary School and Bagdad Middle and High School each receive B-plus ratings from Niche, and Niche recognizes Bagdad Middle and High as being among the top third of Arizona public high schools with regard to teaching quality. The middle-high school has a strong STEM focus, including welding career prep and industrial technology courses. The aviation classes enable high schoolers to train as pilots at the local Bagdad Airport.
Sultan pride on display at Bagdad High School.
Students and parents love the track and field at Bagdad High School.
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Traveling along State Route 96
Bagdad is situated along State Route 96, which leads travelers through the scenic Mogollon Rim mountains and into Prescott within a 65-mile and an hour-and-a-half’s drive. Bagdad is home to an airport where people can learn to fly , but flights to and from this rural airport are very rare.
With limited options for gas, many fuel up before heading into Bagdad.
The residents of Bagdad are proud of their small town mining community.
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Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Justin Bradley
Video By
Zoe Sarris
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Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Main Street Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bagdad
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,645
Median Age
33
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
29.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$79,845
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,517
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.3%
College Graduates
9.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
% Population in Labor Force
78.8%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
23''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
16/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
16/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
