Phoenix Info
Joined: 14 Dec 2006
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 Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:27 am Post subject: PHOENIX CITY PROFILE / PHOENIX CITY GUIDE |
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PHOENIX CITY PROFILE
Introduction
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a study in contrasts. As the centre of "the Valley of the Sun," the city has traditionally been associated with Old West myths, tourist resorts, and Sun Belt retirement communities. While it retains strong links with this image—frontier history permeates the city's culture and architecture, tourism continues to thrive, and people still spend their golden years here—Phoenix is also emerging as one of the "newest" cities in the nation. It is among the country's fastest expanding metropolitan areas, and with children under the age of 14 comprising a significant percentage of its inhabitants, Phoenix is adding a youthful contrast to its traditions as a frontier desert town and a place "where the old-timers go to retire." With a growing labour force and population, friendly business environment, affordable housing, and low cost of living, the area is ideal for businesses and residents alike. In 2004 the Milken Institute bestowed upon Phoenix a third place ranking on its annual "Best Performing Cities: Where America's Jobs are Created and Sustained" list.
The City in Brief
Founded: 1864 (incorporated, 1881)
Head Official: Mayor Phil Gordon (since 2003)
City Population
1980: 789,704
1990: 983,015
2000: 1,321,045
2003 estimate: 1,388,416
Percent change, 1990–2000: 34.4%
U.S. rank in 1980: 9th
U.S. rank in 1990: 9th U.S. rank in 2000: 10th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 1,509,000
1990: 2,238,498
2000: 3,251,876
Percent change, 1990–2000: 45.3%
U.S. rank in 1980: 24th
U.S. rank in 1990: 20th
U.S. rank in 2000: 14th
Geography and Climate
Area: 475.09 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 1,058 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 72.6° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 8.3 inches
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: Services, government, manufacturing
Unemployment Rate: 4.0% (January 2005)
Per Capita Income: $19,833 (1999)
Cost of Living
The cost of living for the area is below that of the national average according to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Phoenix boasts affordable new and existing housing, with median-range homes at costs below the national average as reported by the Arizona State University Real Estate Center in April 2004.
The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Phoenix area.
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $254,751
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 99.2 (U.S. average = 100.0)
State income tax rate: Ranges from 2.87% to 5.04%
State sales tax rate: 5.6% (food and prescription drugs are exempt)
Local income tax rate: None
Local sales tax rate: 1.4% plus 0.7% county rate
Property tax rate: Varies by school district. The 2004 average was $16.95 per $100 of assessed valuation
Other Information
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 109,916
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Phoenix, Arizona State University, Maricopa Community Colleges
Daily Newspapers: The Arizona Republic, The Phoenix Gazette |
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