Yuma

Yuma is a city in southwestern Arizona, United States. It is the county seat of Yuma County and the largest city in the Yuma Metropolitan Area. The city sits along the Colorado River opposite El Centro, California, and serves as a regional agricultural and transportation hub.

Long inhabited by the Quechan people, the area centers on the Yuma Crossing—an important ford on the Colorado River used for trade and migration. The Quechan Indian Reservation is located nearby. In 1849 Fort Yuma was established to secure the crossing and aid settlement in the region. The crossing became a key waypoint on routes such as the California Trail and later contributed to the development of the surrounding desert southwest.

Yuma lies in the Sonoran Desert. It has a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers, mild winters, and low annual rainfall. The Colorado River and irrigation projects support intensive agriculture in the region.

The local economy is dominated by agriculture, especially lettuce and other leafy greens grown for national markets, supported by extensive irrigation. The city is also home to military installations, including Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground, as well as Yuma International Airport and road and rail connections that integrate the regional economy.

As of recent estimates, Yuma has a population around 95,000 to 100,000 people, with a diverse community and a significant seasonal influx of winter visitors.