For many years, agriculture and trading were the focus on the area. The construction of two power plants, the start of a sawmill and other timber-related industries, and the growing tourism/recreation trade has broadened the southern Apache County economic base. 
    Ranching is the primary agricultural activity in Apache County with more than 73,000 head of cattle grazing on private ranches and State/Federal lands. Hay production along the Little Colorado River system produces 19,500 tons on 5,500 acres.
    The Salt River Project's Coronado Generation Station employs 290; Century's Springerville Generation Station employs 200 people and the Stone Container sawmill in Eagar Employs 117 people. In addition, the United States Forest Service employs 106 permanent and 47 temporary workers.
    Eagar is in the center of the White Mountain Recreation Area. Tourist activity from winter sports, hunting, fishing and summer visitors brings approximately 100,000 people to the national forest, making the trade and services sector vital to the economy. All of Apache County is a designated Enterprise Zone.