July 2025

Yavapai County Senior Freeze

As the cost of living continues to rise, many seniors in our community find themselves grappling with financial insecurity. In Yavapai County a growing number of elderly residents are living on fixed incomes that simply do not keep pace with inflation, healthcare costs, property taxes, and everyday expenses. For these seniors, programs like the Yavapai County Senior Freeze can offer critical relief — yet too few know about it or take full advantage of what it provides.

A large portion of America’s older population relies on Social Security as their primary — and often only — source of income. According to recent statistics, nearly half of seniors live on less than $25,000 a year. In areas like Yavapai County, where property taxes, housing, and healthcare costs are steadily rising, these incomes leave little room for emergencies, home repairs, or even adequate nutrition.

For seniors who have worked hard their entire lives and contributed to their communities, the golden years can turn into years of stress and uncertainty. Financial strain can lead to difficult choices — like skipping medications, deferring necessary home maintenance, or cutting back on essentials.

What Is the Yavapai County Senior Freeze?

The Senior Property Valuation Protection Option, commonly known as the Senior Freeze, is a property tax relief program offered in Yavapai County. It allows eligible seniors to "freeze" the assessed value of their primary residence, preventing increases in property valuation that can lead to higher property taxes.

By freezing the property’s value, the program shields seniors from tax hikes that could otherwise force them to sell their homes or cut back further on essentials.

Why Applying Matters.  Even modest increases in property taxes can significantly strain a senior’s budget. The Senior Freeze keeps these taxes stable, allowing seniors to better plan their expenses and retain more of their limited income for essentials like food, medicine, and transportation.

Housing Security. Aging in place is a priority for many seniors, both for emotional well-being and financial practicality. With property values rising, some seniors feel pressured to move or downsize. The Senior Freeze helps them stay in the homes and communities they’ve built over decades.

Peace of Mind.  Knowing that their taxes won't unexpectedly increase provides peace of mind — a sense of security that's especially important for older adults navigating complex health and financial issues.

Preventing Homelessness Among Seniors.  The risk of homelessness for seniors is growing nationwide. Preventative programs like the Senior Freeze are crucial tools to keep elderly residents housed and stable.

I am making a call to action because far too many eligible seniors don’t apply for the Yavapai County Senior Freeze simply because they don’t know it exists, think it’s too complicated, or don’t believe they’ll qualify. Community members, family members, caregivers, and local officials must spread the word and help guide seniors through the application process.

Resources such as the Yavapai County Assessor’s Office can provide forms and assistance. Local nonprofits, libraries, and senior centers are also excellent sources of help.

Respecting and caring for our elders means ensuring they can live with dignity, independence, and security. Programs like the Yavapai County Senior Freeze are more than just tax relief; they’re a vital part of a broader safety net for aging residents.

If you or someone you know qualify, don’t wait. Learn more, apply, and help build a community where seniors are supported — not forgotten.

For more information or to access the application all of the information is below.

Yavapai County Assessor Urges Seniors to Apply for Property Valuation Freeze by September 2nd Deadline

Yavapai County, AZ – The Yavapai County Assessor's Office is reminding senior homeowners about the upcoming September 2nd deadline to apply for the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option, often referred to as the "Senior Freeze." This vital program helps eligible seniors by freezing the Limited Property Value (LPV) of their primary residence for a three-year period, providing stability against rising property valuations.

While the "Senior Freeze" does not freeze the actual property tax bill, it locks in the property's Limited Property Value, which is a key component in calculating annual property taxes. This can lead to significant savings for qualifying seniors. 

"We strongly encourage all eligible senior residents to take advantage of this valuable program," said Yavapai County Assessor, Judd Simmons. "The Senior Freeze can offer considerable peace of mind by protecting against increases in your property's valuation, which directly impacts your tax liability."

To qualify for the Senior Freeze, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

 At least one property owner must be 65 years of age or older at the time of application.

 The property must be the applicant's primary residence, occupied for an aggregate of nine months of the calendar year.

 The applicant must have resided in the primary residence for at least two years prior to applying.

 Total income from all sources (taxable and non-taxable) of all owners must not exceed the established income limits, averaged over the three years prior to the application. For applications filed in 2025, the income limit is currently $46,416 for one owner or $58,020 for two or more owners.

Important Dates to Remember:

 September 2, 2025: Deadline to submit your completed Senior Freeze application to the Yavapai County Assessor's Office for the 2026 tax year.

It is crucial for applicants to submit all required supporting documentation with their application, including proof of age, residency, and income verification for the past three years. Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email.

For more information, eligibility requirements, and to download the application form, please visit the Yavapai County Assessor's Office website at www.forms-Yavapai.az or contact their office directly at Prescott: (928) 771-3220, Cottonwood: (928) 639-8121, Email: web.assessor@yavapaiaz.gov

Don't miss this opportunity to potentially reduce your future property tax burden. Apply for the Senior Freeze today!

I am calling this to action as “Operation Senior Freeze.”  There are 10 weeks until the deadline of September 2, 2025, to apply. 

Pine Ridge Marketplace Relaunches Artisan Market

Shopping Center to Host Local Artisans, Crafters and Creators on July 26 & 27

PRESCOTT, Ariz – Pine Ridge Marketplace is bringing back the Artisan Market inside the shopping center on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The two-day festival of creativity and community will transform the shopping center into a showcase of local artistry, craftsmanship and family-friendly fun.

“The indoor market is a unique opportunity for us to bring the local community together while showing visitors what we have to offer,” said Pine Ridge Marketplace Creative Director Anji Rude. “It’s the perfect blend of camaraderie and craftsmanship for all ages for a one-of-a-kind experience.”

The market will feature handcrafted goods, including unique art, home décor, jewelry, knitted and sewn items, homemade baked goods, candles, house plants, soaps, jellies and other seasonal items. The artisan vendors will line up throughout the center of the mall, turning the space into a vibrant marketplace.

Visitors can also enjoy Pine Ridge’s unique and locally-owned retail shops, including recently added tenants like Arctic Sweets, a specialty candy store offering rare and international confections, and RDDC Market, a diecast car collectible retailer featuring an extensive collection of rare vintage and modern models. The mall presents shops of all kinds, ranging from clothing, athletic wear, customized gifts, beauty products, accessories, footwear and more.

Food and drink options are available from the shopping center’s restaurants and food court, including the newly reopened Augie’s Restaurant, Moussetache Café, Cosmic Potato and Third Shot Coffee.

Pine Ridge Marketplace is located at 3250 Gateway Blvd. For more information about the festival and mall, visit pineridgemarketplace.com or Pine Ridge’s Instagram page @shopineridge.

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