| Prescott is
located in
central Arizona amid the largest strand of Ponderosa Pine
in the world. Since Prescott's founding as the first
territorial Capital of Arizona and the establishment
of nearby Fort Whipple, government has been a dominant
sector in the city's economy. Prescott is the headquarters
of the Prescott National Forest and is the Yavapai County
seat. The city is named in honor of William Hickling
Prescott, a noted historian.
| FOUNDED:
1864 COUNTY: Yavapai County
ELEVATION: 5,400 Feet
INCORPORATED: Yes, 1883
HIGHWAYS: I-17, SR 89,69 |
DISTANCE
TO PHOENIX: 102 miles
DISTANCE TO TUCSON: 213 miles
DISTANCE TO LAS VEGAS: 251 miles
DISTANCE TO LOS ANGELES: 379 miles
DISTANCE TO FLAGSTAFF: 95 miles
|
|
Population |
| |
1990 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Prescott |
26,5592 |
34,610 |
35,785 |
| Yavapai County |
107,714 |
148,500 |
155,900 |
| Arizona |
3,665,228 |
4,764025 |
4,924,350 |
| Sources:
Arizona Dept of Economic Security & U.S. Census
Bureau |
| Principal Economic Activities |
| Prescott is the
center for trade in the region, with abundant retail
establishments, professional services and
manufacturing plants. Yavapai Regional Medical
Center & Veterans Administration Hospital provide
excellent diagnostic emergency and treatment centers.
Travel and tourism, cultural institutions and
government offices are important to Prescott's
economy. Prescott National Forest, area lakes, and
established trail and park systems provide numerous
outdoor activities for residents and visitors. |
| County
Employment |
1990 |
1999 |
| Agricultural,
Forestry Fishing |
169 |
|
| Construction |
2368 |
4325 |
| FIRE |
1375 |
2125 |
| Manufacturing |
2490 |
3250 |
| Mining |
843 |
925 |
| Retail Trade |
7548 |
|
| Services |
8277 |
14,225 |
| TCPU |
1044 |
1375 |
| Trade |
|
12874 |
|
Source: Az. Dept of Economic Security and U.S.
Census Bureau |
| |
|
| Major
Private Employers |
| 1. Wal-Mart |
| 2. Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical Univ. |
| 3. Phelp-Dodge
Bagdad Copper |
| 4. Sturm Ruger
& Company |
| 5. Yavapai
Regional Medical Center |
|
| Major
Public Employers |
| 1. State of
Arizona |
| 2. City of
Prescott |
| 3. Prescott
Unified School District |
| 4. Veterans
Administration Medical Center |
|
5. Yavapai County |
|
|
| Labor Force
Data |
| |
1990 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Civilian Labor Force |
11,412 |
16,650 |
17,121 |
| Unemployment |
583 |
622 |
647 |
| Unemployment Rate |
5.1% |
3.7% |
3.8% |
| Sources: Arizona
Department of Economic Security |
| |
| Growth Indicators |
1990 |
1998 |
1999 |
| New Building Permits |
511 |
948 |
1068 |
| Taxable Sales ($) |
$380m |
$658m |
$717m |
| Net Assessed Valuation ($) |
$139m |
$244m |
$278m |
| Sources: Ariz State
Univ, Arizona Dept of Revenue |
| Scenic
Attractions |
| Prescott is rich in
historic and scenic attractions. Sharlot Hall Museum
and the Smoki Museum contain pioneer and Indian
artifacts. Nearby recreational opportunities
include: Thumb Butte, Prescott's outstanding
landmark; scenic drives, such as the Senator
Highway, and the Prescott national Forest, which
contains more than 1.2 million acres of land. A
number of lakes are within the vicinity, including
Lynx, Granite Basin, Watson, Willow and Goldwater.
Major annual events include Territorial Days,
Bluegrass Festival, and All-Indian Pow-Wow in June;
The Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo and Celebration on
the Fourth of July; The Phippen Western Art Show on
Memorial Day weekend; The County Fair and the Faire
on the Square in September; and the Christmas Parade
and Courthouse Lighting in December. |
|
