Claypool is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in Gila County, in the central part of the state of Arizona, United States. The community lies along Arizona State Route 87, approximately 5 mi (8 km) north of the city of Payson and is part of the larger Payson Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
- Coordinates: 34°31′53″N 111°14′22″W.
- Elevation: Approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 m) above sea level.
- Area: According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP encompasses a total area of about 13.5 square miles (35.0 km²), all of which is land.
History
Claypool was established in the early 20th century as a service point for the timber and ranching industries that dominated the region. The community's name is attributed to B. J. Claypool, a local rancher who played a significant role in its development. Over time, the area transitioned from a primarily resource‑based economy to a residential community that serves as a bedroom suburb for the nearby city of Payson.
Demographics
- Population: The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 1,531 residents in Claypool.
- Racial and ethnic composition: The community is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Native American, Hispanic or Latino, and other racial groups.
- Household characteristics: The majority of housing units are single‑family homes; a notable proportion of households are families with children under 18.
Economy and infrastructure
Claypool’s local economy is closely tied to the broader Payson region. Residents commonly work in retail, health care, education, and tourism sectors that serve the surrounding forested areas and recreational destinations. The community is served by Arizona State Route 87, providing direct road connections to Payson to the south and to the larger city of Phoenix to the north via Interstate 17.
Education
The area falls within the jurisdiction of the Payson Unified School District, which operates public schools serving students from Claypool and neighboring communities. Students typically attend Claypool Elementary School for primary education and then proceed to middle and high schools located in Payson.
Public services
- Postal services: Claypool uses the ZIP code 85541, which it shares with Payson.
- Utilities: Water, electricity, and telecommunications are provided by regional service providers that also serve the broader Gila County area.
- Emergency services: Law enforcement is provided by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, while fire protection and emergency medical services are supplied by the Payson Fire Department and area health facilities.
Climate
Claypool experiences a semi‑arid climate (Köppen BSk), characterized by warm summers with occasional monsoonal thunderstorms and mild to cool winters, during which snowfall is occasional but not heavy.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census data.
- Gila County historical records.
- Arizona Department of Transportation, route maps and transportation data.
All information presented is derived from publicly available governmental and historical sources and reflects the status of Claypool, Arizona, as of the most recent data (2020‑2023).
