Careers, Jobs and Education Resources for: Peoria, AZ
Peoria is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with a small portion in Yavapai County. It is considered a major suburb of Phoenix. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 142,024. Peoria is currently the fourth largest city in the state of Arizona in terms of land area, and the ninth largest city in the state in terms of population. The city was named after Peoria, Illinois. (The word “Peoria” is a corruption of the Illini Indian word for “raging prairie fire.”). Peoria is now larger in population than its namesake. It is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners who share the Peoria Sports Complex. In July 2008, Money Magazine listed Peoria in the "Top 100 Places to Live". (from wikipedia)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:
In General: Arizona hosts 25 public and 46 private educational institutions in addition to a strong community college education system. The state is served by three prominent public universities: The University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
In the Rankings: U.S. News and World Report rankings: National Rankings – University of Arizona (#96), Arizona State University (#121); In addition the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, has earned a place among America’s top 20 research institutions.
Online Education: There are a variety of accredited online universities offering degrees in the state of Arizona.
A Closer Look: Arizona’s community colleges were historically governed by a separate statewide Board of Directors, but in 2002 the state legislature transferred most oversight authority to individual community college districts.
Did You Know? Arizona is home to two cooking schools, both in Scottsdale: the Arizona Culinary Institute and the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. The latter is associated with the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu training program and offers courses in Culinary Arts, Patisserie and Baking, and Hospitality and Restaurant Management.
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.