Young Arizona is situated in Arizona's eastern mountains, just below the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The town is completely surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and is served by two roads. Highway 288 from the south has 35 miles of unpaved surface, and Forest Road 512 from the north is not paved for about 16 miles. Both are mountainous and have steep grades and curves. In wet weather or snow, 4-wheel drive is recommended. Cherry Creek hill that climbs out of Young to the north was recently paved for 4.7 miles. Paving will be ongoing, as Federal funds become available.

Young has a population of approximately 800, made up of more than 50% retirees. There aren't a lot of employment opportunities. Major employers are the US Forest Service Pleasant Valley Ranger Station, Young Public School, Malliard Cabinet Shop. The convenience store and restaurants also provide some employment, and the construction companies often need laborers. Many people in Young are self-employed.