El Paso

The City in Brief

Founded: 1598 (incorporated 1873)

Head Official: Mayor Joe Wardy (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 425,259

1990: 515,342

2000: 563,662

2003 estimate: 584,113

Percent change, 1990–2000: 9.4%

U.S. rank in 2000: 22 (State rank: 5th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 479,899

1990: 591,610

2000: 679,622

Percent change, 1990–2000: 14.9%

U.S. rank in 2000: 64th

Area: 249 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Average 3,762 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 63.3° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 8.81 inches

Major Economic Sectors: agriculture, clothing, oil, retail, military

Unemployment rate: 7.7% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $14,388 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 26,998

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Texas at

El Paso, El Paso Community College, New Mexico State University, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Daily Newspaper: El Paso Times