Research Center / Economic Data, Indicators

Our Labor Market:

The Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation initiated a study in May to determine the state of its workforce in areas such as capability, general industry knowledge and level of education in the communities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy and Maricopa. The study will be based on community feedback through surveys and responses from employers. Special focus groups within the survey will examine industry-specific fields, including manufacturing, distribution and technology.

Surveys will be available between May 31 and June 3 at various local establishments.

A past study, conducted in 2004, showed a strong desire for more job opportunities within Pinal County (83 percent of those working outside of the county stated they would prefer a comparable job closer to home). Findings also indicated that newcomers to the region were more likely to have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating a need to attract more white-collar positions such as medical and educational services.

Economic Indicators:

The Central Arizona Region has seen a considerable increase each year in the number of building permits issued for the construction of new single family homes.

Please note that as the City of Maricopa did not incorporate until 2003, historical numbers are not readily available for this community. As of July 1, 2004 the City of Maricopa began issuing permits. The total number of permits issued, for new construction, for the City of Maricopa, from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 was 1,580, with 95% being new single family residential and 5% being new commercial and electrical permits.

Number of Building Permits Issued for New Construction

Casa Grande Year-End Totals

Please note: Permit activity for 2006 and 2007 is currently unavailable.

Coolidge Year-End Totals

Eloy Year-End Totals

Year-End Totals for Maricopa

Source: Cities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy and Maricopa

Please note that as the City of Maricopa did not incorporate until 2003, building permit activity is not available prior to 2005.

Yearly Total Tax Collections for Retail Sales

Yearly Total Tax Collections for Hotels/Motels

Yearly Total Tax Collections for Restaurants & Bars

NOTE: Beginning in 2004, category classification changes were made. Due to the changes, 2003 and earlier figures will not be comparable with figures starting in 2004.

*As of January 2004 Hotel/Motel information for the City of Eloy is no longer available.

All four cities have seen a steady increase in annual tax collection amounts. Please note that as the City of Maricopa did not incorporate until 2003, tax revenue figures are not available for the City of Maricopa.

Source: Arizona Department of Revenue