Growth
- Arizona is currently the second-fastest growing state (2) and the U.S. Census Bureau projects it will have the second largest population increase (109%) from 2000 to 2030. (7)
- The Arizona Department of Commerce projects the Payson area will grow by 84% during the same period. (1)
- Payson is rated as a Top 30 retirement location in the U.S. and as one of the Top 10 hottest retirement places (6) in the Southwest. (4)
- Taxable sales increased 180% or 10.5% annually over the last 17 years. (2)
- Net Assessed Values grew 200% or 12% per year over the last 17 years. (2)
Costs
- Commercial taxes/fees, capital/facility costs are competitive with other areas in the State. (3)
- There is a diverse range of housing types and costs. Cost of living is in-keeping with the rural nature of the area and is less expensive than metropolitan regions. (3)
- Local labor costs (salaries and benefits) are lower depending on the type of jobs. (See Labor Force for more.)
Labor Force
- Over half (54%) of the population is part of the "potential" labor force. (3)
Members of NGCEDC can view the complete The Workforce of Payson, Arizona: 2007 Analysis - A Report of the Payson Regional Economic Development Corporation in cooperation with Arizona Department of Commerce and RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (REDI)
Logistics
- Companies find quality of life, local beauty and climate, and close proximity to Phoenix (5th largest city in the United States) among the community’s strengths as a place to do business. (2)
- Community services are consistently rated above average (fire, police, water quality, sewer, schools, streets, and health care). (3, 5)
- Utility providers are "proactive" in developing infrastructure to accomodate expansion.
Sources:
- Arizona Department of Commerce – Arizona Workforce Informer
- Arizona Department of Commerce - Payson Community Profile
- Building Bridges to Business - B3: 2006 Business Retention Report, Payson, Arizona
- Rankings for 100 Top Retirement Locations - bizjournals, February 5, 2007
- Survey of Convention, Retail, Tourism & Services: Payson, Arizona - 2007
- The Workforce of Payson, Arizona: 2007 Analysis
- U.S. Census Interim Population Projections