Arizona Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the United States and was the 48th and last of the continguous states admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.
Cities: The capital and largest city is Phoenix and the second largest city is Tucson.
Behind the Name: Arizona is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon State,” in reference to the glorious Grand Canyon in the northern part of the state, one of the world’s natural wonders.
A Closer Look: Arizona is noted for its desert climate, exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, but the northern region of the state features pine forests and mountain ranges with cooler weather than the lower deserts.
Did You Know? Arizona might actually be called “A Tale of Two Cities:” The State’s most significant and largest two cities of Phoenix and Tucson are followed in population by the four additional Phoenix metropolitan area communities of Mesa, Glendale, Chandler and Scottsdale.
Arizona Career Employment:
Population: 6,500,180 (26.7% increase since 2000) – 49.9% Female, 50.1% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 18th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) retail trade; (2) health care and social assistance; (3) accommodations and food services; (4) administrative and support and waste management and remediation services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.59% to 4.54% and Sales Tax, 5.6% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 106.3 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 35th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 42.27; Apr: 57.63; July: 80.19; Oct: 61.61 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 41st of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Arizona Economics:
In General: While Arizona once specialized in cattle and mining, agriculture (evenly distributed between crops and livestock) and mining are also important.
Service Industry: Jobs are most plentiful in the service-related industries. Community, business and personal services (private health care, hotels and resorts, law firms, repair shops) generate more revenue than any other service sector. Career opportunities can also be found in the finance, insurance and real estate industry (30 percent), retail and wholesale sales (20 percent) and military and government services (15 percent).
Agriculture: In terms of revenue generated, the state’s top five agricultural products are cattle and calves, lettuce, dairy products, cotton and hay. Arizona supplies about 20% of the state’s total crop production.
Manufacturing: Arizona’s manufacturing revenues are generated by high tech products such as computers, electronic equipment and aerospace vehicles. Transportation equipment and chemicals are also important.
A Closer Look: Spending by tourists and retired individuals also contributes significantly to Arizona’s economy.
Did You Know? Copper is without question the most important mined product in Arizona.
Arizona Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Arizona, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
