Pine, Arizona is a small mountain community located 17 miles to the North of Payson or about two hours from Phoenix.  There is a four lane highway all the way from Phoenix with scenic desert landscape, towering mountains and the Ponderosa Pines of our Natural Forest.

Scenic attractions in the area include:  1.  Control Road that is located just two miles to the South of Pine - it runs across the forest, past Whispering Pines, Tonto Village and on to highway 260, close to Kohl's Ranch.  2.  The Mogollon Rim Road is located just to the North of Strawberry and runs along the edge of the rim.  3.  Fossil Creek Road is a narrow winding primitive road that leads from Strawberry, through the Fossil Creek Canyon to the Verde River and on to Camp Verde.  4.  Highland Trail head - located on the Southern edge of Pine, this trail is a perfect get away for Hikers, Horseback riders and Backpackers.  5.  Tonto Natural Bridge, just three miles to the South of Pine is Arizona's newest State Park.  There are plans in the works for a guest lodge, dining room, gift shop and picnic area.  Currently there are trails from the parking area that take you on a short walk to the Natural Bridge.

There are many historical buildings in Pine, with most being restored and turned into gift shops, cafes and real estate buildings.  There is a self-guided walking tour, "The Walking History Trail of Pine-Strawberry" available through the Chamber of Commerce office.

There is a modern grocery store, gas station and several fine restaurants in the area.  Several of the restaurants have outdoor patio dining, so that you can enjoy those cool summer evening.

                                                        POPULATION...

1980 1990 1997
PINE~STRAWBERRY 1,250 1,811** 2,136*
GILA COUNTY 37,080 40,216 47,450
ARIZONA 2,716,546 3,665,228 4,600,275
Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security and U.S. Census Bureau.
* Local sources estimate population at 5,000 during summer months. 1997 estimate projected from county growth rates.
** Amounts have been revised based on current calculations by Central Arizona Association of Governments.

PINE~STRAWBERRY LABOR FORCE...

1980 1990 1997
Civilian Labor Force 3,352 2,865 N/A
Employed 3,037 2,564 N/A
Unemployed 315 302 N/A
Unemployment Rate 9.4% 10.5% N/A

Source: Arizona Department of Economic Security.

GROWTH INDICATORS...

1980 1990 1997
Postal Receipts ($)* 114,185 233,963 219,302
School Enrollment 256 267 288
Net Assessed Valuation ($)** 20,980,677 24,134,827 25,750,474

* Postal receipts are for fiscal year.
** Fire District, Pine #1.

PROPERTY TAX RATE PER $100 ASSESSED VALUATION...

1980 1990 1997
AZ State Tax $ 0.47 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Community College 0.38 0.50 0.54
Library 0.21 0.24 0.24
County Fire District 0.06 0.10 0.10
County 3.79 3.98 4.63
County Total $ 4.91 $ 4.82 $ 5.51
School District 5.73 5.89 5.85
Pine-Strawberry Fire District 1.64 2.10 2.08
Total $12.28 $12.81 $13.54

Note: Property tax in Arizona is based on assessed valuation which is 10 percent of market value for residential property. Average tax rate on homes in Arizona before exemptions and rebates is 1.3% of market value.

Weather Statistic, averages*...

MONTH Daily Max F Daily Min F Total Precip (inches)
January 50.1 23.7 2.11
February 54.2 25.8 1.43
March 61.4 28.4 1.78
April 67.0 34.7 0.96
May 74.8 41.2 0.43
June 81.9 49.0 0.50
July 87.5 58.5 3.10
August 84.2 57.0 3.30
September 79.2 49.8 1.86
October 72.5 40.0 1.64
November 60.3 30.5 1.45
December 52.2 24.5 2.21
YEAR 72.5 38.6 20.77

*Payson Reporting Station, elevation: 4,913 feet.
Average Total Snow, Sleet and Hail Annually: 25.1 inches.
Daily temperatures based on typical 5 to 7 difference between Payson and Pine~Strawberry temperatures.
(Based on a 30-year average)