<h1> Mesa, Arizona – Is it a Rich or Poor City? </h1>
<h2> Introduction </h2>
When it comes to the economic status of Mesa, Arizona, people may have mixed reactions with regards to whether it is a rich or poor city. Many may have difficulty determining which economic indicators to use for assessment, while some have varying definitions of what wealth means. This article analyzes the primary economic indicators of Mesa, Arizona, to provide a better understanding of the city’s economic status.
<h2> Median Household Income </h2>
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, Mesa’s median household income was $56,566. This may seem moderate when compared to affluent cities like San Francisco or Boston, but it is slightly higher than the national median household income of $62,843. Therefore, by this economic indicator, Mesa is considered an average city in terms of wealth.
<h2> Poverty Rate </h2>
Mesa’s poverty rate is another important economic indicator to consider. As of 2019, 13.6% of its population lives below the poverty line, which is slightly lower than the national average of 13.7%. While this number is lower than some of the poorest cities in the U.S. such as Detroit or Cleveland, it still indicates a significant number of poverty-stricken people. Cities with poverty rates exceeding 20% are those that are considered struggling. By this measure, Mesa is doing quite well.
<h2> Unemployment Rate </h2>
Another essential economic indicator is the unemployment rate. In 2020, Mesa had an unemployment rate of 13.1% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has decreased to 6.5% as of March 2021. Though it is higher than the national unemployment rate of 6%, it is a drastic improvement from the peak of the pandemic. Additionally, it is lower than the unemployment rates in some major cities like New York City and Los Angeles. Nonetheless, there is still a lot of work necessary to lower the joblessness levels in Mesa.
<h2> Cost of Living </h2>
A popular economic indicator to assess a city’s economic status is the cost of living. According to data collected by Numbeo in 2021, the cost of living in Mesa is lower than the national average. The website assigns an average cost of living score of 100 to the United States, and Mesa has a score of 91.30. While it is higher than the lowest-cost cities like El Paso and Memphis, it is lower than the most expensive ones like San Francisco and New York City.
<h2> Gross Domestic Product </h2>
Another critical economic indicator to consider is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP is the total value of goods and services produced within a city’s boundaries. However, finding the latest GDP figures for Mesa is challenging, as the newest available data is from 2012. According to that data, Mesa’s GDP was $18.32 billion, which is decent, but not as high as other cities with stronger economies. For instance, in 2012, San Francisco’s GDP was $366.9 billion, while New York City’s was $1.29 trillion. While Mesa’s GDP is not inconsiderable, economic improvement is still required.
<h2> Local Tax Rate </h2>
The local tax rate is an additional economic indicator that is vital when evaluating a city’s wealth status. The tax rate can include sales tax, property tax, and other local taxes. According to SmartAsset, Mesa has a sales tax rate of 8.05%. This is higher than some cities with lower costs of living like Columbus, Ohio or Wichita, Kansas, but it’s lower than the rate in some expensive cities like Chicago or Seattle. Additionally, cities with higher tax rates often possess better-funded public services like schools or public transportation.
<h2> Conclusion </h2>
Is Mesa a rich or poor city? It’s challenging to give a concrete answer to that question. The city’s median household income is around the national average, and its poverty rate is slightly lower than the national rate. Mesa still has a higher unemployment rate than the national average, but it is improving, and the cost of living there is below the national average. Mesa’s GDP is decent, but potential growth remains. It also has a higher tax rate, but it’s not exorbitant. All in all, Mesa is an average city in terms of its economic status.
However, it’s essential to remember that economic indicators are merely a part of the bigger picture. Other factors play a more significant role in determining wealth or poverty, such as the educational system, crime rates, and access to health care. Furthermore, economic indicators do not always present the full story, as some of Mesa’s residents may be wealthier than the median income suggests, while others could be struggling to make ends meet. Overall, while Mesa may not be the wealthiest city in the U.S., it is not one of the poorest either.
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