# Star Valley, Arizona

Star Valley is a town in Gila County, Arizona, United States, incorporated in 2005. Before incorporation, it was a census-designated place (CDP). As of the 2020 census the population of the town was 2,484.

## Geography

Star Valley is located in northern Gila County and is bordered to the west by the town of Payson. Arizona State Route 260 passes through Star Valley, leading west 4 miles (6 km) into Payson and east 85 miles (137 km) to Show Low.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.1 square miles (93.6 km$^2$), of which 0.01 square miles (0.02 km$^2$), or 0.03%, is water. Star Valley sits at an elevation of 4,650 feet (1,420 m) and takes its name from the valley in which it is located, formed by Houston Creek, which descends to the south through Tonto National Forest to Tonto Creek, a tributary of the Salt River. The town was incorporated as the Town of Diamond Star, but changed its name to Star Valley in 2006.

## Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,536 people, 677 households, and 421 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 241.9 inhabitants per square mile (93.4/km$^2$). There were 1,017 housing units at an average density of 160.1 per square mile (61.8/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.6% White, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 10.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 677 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,375, and the median income for a family was $32,045. Males had a median income of $30,966 versus $20,729 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,414. About 4.7% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

## Transportation

The Payson Senior Center operates the Beeline Bus, which provides local bus service between Payson and Star Valley.

## Government

Star Valley uses a council-manager government form with a town council. As of February 2020, the mayor was Gary Coon and the current town manager was Timothy Grier.

## Education

It is in the Payson Unified School District. Payson High School is the zoned comprehensive high school.

## Gallery

* Star Valley Town Hall
* Star Valley Jail 1895–1902
* Star Valley is bisected by Highway 260. Local businesses line both sides of the highway.