Arizona City is a little town in the desert, located between Phoenix and Tucson. It was started in 1959 as a planned community, but it hasn’t done as well as expected. Nowadays, it’s one of the least wealthy places in Arizona, with 20.6% of the people living in poverty, while the state average is 12.9%.
Why is Arizona City facing economic difficulties, and what are the results of this? How are the people dealing with it and working towards a better future? This article will look into the problems and possibilities of Arizona City, a community facing tough times.
About Arizona City
There are roughly 10,000 people living in Arizona City, a small town in Pinal County. It is close to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, midway between Phoenix and Tucson.
Although planned city Arizona City was established in 1959, it never lived up to its full promise. It currently ranks among the state’s poorest areas due to issues with extreme poverty, high rates of unemployment, criminality, and a lack of resources.
In contrast to the state average of 12.9%, 20.6% of Arizona City residents, according to the 2022 American Community Survey, live below the poverty level. This indicates that 811 children under the age of 18 are among the more than 2,300 residents of Arizona City who live in poverty.
Arizona City’s median household income is $56,701, which is less than the $62,843 national median. A large number of the residents who hold jobs are employed in low-paying industries like construction, food service, retail, and healthcare.
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Arizona City’s Challenges
Arizona City faces many problems that make it economically tough. The town doesn’t have basic things like sidewalks, street lights, public transportation, and good internet. The closest hospital is 16 miles away in Casa Grande, and the nearest library is 12 miles away in Eloy.
There’s only one elementary school and one middle school in the town, and they don’t do well academically, with many students leaving school early. High school students have to travel to Casa Grande or Eloy for their education.
Arizona City also deals with a lot of crime, especially property crimes like burglary, theft, and vandalism. The town has only a small police force and fire department, and relies on volunteers for emergencies.
Government’s Efforts to Reduce Poverty in Arizona City
The government is trying to decrease poverty in Arizona City, but it’s not working well. The town still faces a lot of problems and lacks basic things like infrastructure and resources. Some of the policies meant to help the poor in Arizona City include:
1. New Strategy for Helping Cities Pay for the Poor: This is a suggestion from Brookings that says national anti-poverty policies should also consider the specific needs of different places. They should understand that the costs of poverty affect communities, families, and businesses directly.
2. Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP): This is a federal program providing food help to low-income households. In 2022, fewer households in Arizona received SNAP benefits, which might mean less poverty or trouble accessing the program.
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3. Urban Forestry: This initiative by the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) and the City of Phoenix aims to increase the city’s tree coverage to 25% by 2030. This could bring environmental, social, and economic benefits, especially for poor residents.
While these are some ways the government is trying to reduce poverty in Arizona City, it’s not enough. The town needs more help and money from the state and federal governments, as well as from private businesses and nonprofit organizations. This would improve the quality of life and create opportunities for the people living there.
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To Conclude
Even though Arizona City faces tough times, the people here are strong and determined. With serious issues like poverty, limited resources, and a lack of infrastructure, the residents are still working hard for a better tomorrow. Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope.
The community is coming together for various projects, education programs are taking root, and efforts for economic development are underway. It’s uncertain if these efforts will solve all the problems, but the people of Arizona City are not giving up.
The future of Arizona City is uncertain. Only time will show if the town can overcome its economic difficulties and create a thriving community. One thing is clear: Arizona City’s story is ongoing, and the determination of its residents might lead them to a more successful chapter.
