Mesa

The City in Brief

Founded: 1878 (incorporated in 1883)

Head Official: Mayor Keno Hawker (since 2000)

City Population

1980: 152,453

1990: 288,091

2000: 396,375

2003 estimate: 432,376

Percent change, 1990-2000: 37.6%

U.S. rank in 1990: 53rd (3rd in state)

U.S. rank in 2000: 51st (3rd in state)

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)

1980: 1,508,030

1990: 2,122,101

2000: 3,251,876

Percent change, 1990-2000: 53.2%

U.S. rank in 2000: 14th

Area: 125.18 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 1,241 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 84.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 8.5 inches

Major Economic Sectors: aerospace/aviation, agri-business, automotive, business services, education services, electronics, health services, manufacturing, retail, transportation services

Unemployment Rate: 4.0% (January 2005)

Per Capita Income: $19,601

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 33,335

Major Colleges and Universities: Arizona State University East, Mesa Community College, East Valley Institute of Technology

Daily Newspapers: East Valley Tribune