Moving to Window Rock, Arizona
Window Rock, Arizona is located in Apache County and has a population of 2,871 according to the 2020 census. It is surrounded by the Navajo Nation Reservation and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area was home to the Navajo people long before it was established as a town in the early 20th century.
The politics of Window Rock are closely tied to the Navajo Nation government, with many of its citizens employed by tribal government offices located in Window Rock. The economy relies heavily on tourism, with visitors coming from all over to explore the area’s natural beauty and rich history. There are several schools located in Window Rock, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and two post-secondary institutions offering courses in engineering technology and nursing.
The most notable landmark in Window Rock is Window Rock itself – an impressive geologic formation shaped like a window or hole in the ground that has been used for spiritual ceremonies for centuries. Other notable landmarks include Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Canyon de Chelly National Monument – both of which offer visitors beautiful views of ancient sandstone formations as well as opportunities for hiking and camping. Additionally, there are numerous cultural attractions such as galleries featuring local artisans’ work that showcase traditional Navajo crafts like jewelry making and rug weaving.
Population: 3,059
Males: 1,471 (48.1%), Females: 1,588 (51.9%)
Apache County
Zip code: 86515
Demographics
Median resident age: 27.0 years
Median household income: $36,885
Median house value: $63,100
Population by Race
Races in Window Rock:
- American Indian (96.1%)
- White Non-Hispanic (3.0%)
- Hispanic (1.4%)
- Two or more races (0.7%)
Ancestries: German (1.9%).
Elevation: 6900 feet
Land area: 5.2 square miles
Population by Education
Window Rock, Arizona is the capital of the Navajo Nation and home to a population of around 4,500 people. The majority of Window Rock’s population is Native American, with approximately 94% identifying as Navajo and 6% belonging to other Native American tribes. The median age in Window Rock is 31 years, with a large portion of the population being under 18. The gender split is almost even, with 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
Window Rock has a very diverse socioeconomic landscape; while there are some wealthy areas within the city limits, there are also many areas with high poverty levels. Approximately 16% of the population lives below the poverty line and over 30% are considered low-income households. Unemployment in Window Rock is typically higher than the Arizona state average due to its rural location and lack of employment opportunities; however, recent initiatives by local businesses have helped to reduce this rate significantly over recent years. Education levels in Window Rock are also lower than other parts of Arizona; only about 17% of adults have obtained a college degree or higher level of education compared to 29% statewide.
For population 25 years and over in Window Rock
- High school or higher: 81.9%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.2%
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.0%
- Unemployed: 13.4%
- Mean travel time to work: 22.0 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Window Rock CDP
- Never married: 45.5%
- Now married: 41.0%
- Separated: 1.6%
- Widowed: 5.4%
- Divorced: 6.5%
0.0% Foreign born
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Window Rock:
- PHS INDIAN HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; FORT DEFIANCE, AZ)
- GALLUP INDIAN MEDICAL CENTER (about 18 miles; GALLUP, NM)
- REHOBOTH MCKINLEY CHRISTIAN HEALTH SER (about 18 miles; GALLUP, NM)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Window Rock:
- FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL (about 94 miles; FARMINGTON, NM; Abbreviation: FMN)
- CORTEZ MUNI (about 116 miles; CORTEZ, CO; Abbreviation: CEZ)
- DURANGO-LA PLATA COUNTY (about 137 miles; DURANGO, CO; Abbreviation: DRO)
Other public-use airports nearest to Window Rock:
- WINDOW ROCK (about 2 miles; WINDOW ROCK, AZ; Abbreviation: RQE)
- GALLUP MUNICIPAL (about 23 miles; GALLUP, NM; Abbreviation: GUP)
- GANADO (about 31 miles; GANADO, AZ; Abbreviation: 85V)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Window Rock:
- NORTHLAND PIONEER COLLEGE (about 91 miles; HOLBROOK, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 2,177)
- SAN JUAN COLLEGE (about 100 miles; FARMINGTON, NM; Full-time enrollment: 2,837)
- FORT LEWIS COLLEGE (about 140 miles; DURANGO, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,051)
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO-MAIN CAMPUS (about 171 miles; ALBUQUERQUE, NM; Full-time enrollment: 18,780)
- ALBUQUERQUE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE (about 174 miles; ALBUQUERQUE, NM; Full-time enrollment: 9,188)
- UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX-ALBUQUERQUE NM CAMPUS (about 177 miles; ALBUQUERQUE, NM; Full-time enrollment: 3,261)
- EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE (about 203 miles; THATCHER, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 3,085)
Public primary/middle school in Window Rock:
- WINDOW ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 437; Location: CHEE DODGE DR; Grades: KG – 05)
Private primary/middle school in Window Rock:
- HILLTOP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 122; Location: PO BOX 9090; Grades: PK – 8)
Libraries
Library in Window Rock:
- NAVAJO NATION LIBRARY SYSTEM (Operating income: $331,426; Location: P.O. BOX 9040; 44,623 books; 450 audio materials; 150 video materials; 109 serial subscriptions)