LaRed Latina of the Intermountain Southwest.
Tucson, Arizona: Demographics
- According to recent Census studies, Tucson's population exceeds 750,000 and is projected to be over 850,000 by the turn of the century. Arizona along with Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico are considered the fastest growing states in the
union.
- With a median age of 30.4., Metro Tucson has a relatively young and dynamic workforce. Currently the total labor force numbers well over 390,000 or 5O percent of the population. For the past five years, Tucson's work force has increased an ave
rage of 4 percent, which is well above the national average.
- Tucson also has a highly educated population. Metro-Tucson's 80.2 High School, and 23.7 College graduation rates significantly exceed the National average which is 75.2 and 20.3 percent respectively.
- Since 1994, according to University of Arizona Studies, Tucson's job growth has steadily increased an average of 6.7 Percent or close to 20,000 jobs a year. These studies also indicate a strong and robust economy in the Tucson valley, and for
ecast steady and continued growth till well after the turn of the century.
- According to the U.S. Census, Hispanics comprise 25 percent of the Tucson population or close to 200,000 residents.
- Latinos are well represented in every private and public sector of the Tucson Metropolitan community.
- Although the attrition rate among Latino high school students continues to be relatively high, there is a positive trend in higher education enrollment among youth in the Hispanic community.
- Overall Latinos have been riding the wave of prosperity that Tucson has been experiencing for the past ten years. This is evidenced by the fact that the middle class has been steadily increasing within the Hispanic Community.