Economy
Arizona is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic economies in the nation. Both Fortune 500 annd start-up technology companies call Arizona home, reaping the advantages of a competitive business climate and tax structure; a skilled, knowledge-based workforce; and world-class innovation, cultural and scenic resources.
Arizona Department of Commerce
Yuma contributes to the state's overall success through leading industries such as:
- Light Manufacturing
- Maquiladoras
- Logistics/Warehousing/Transportation
- Call Centers
- Aerospace & Defense Testing
- Agriculture & Food Technology
- Tourism
Each of these industries contribute to the local economy creating a cylce of growth by creating jobs and increasing retail spending which in turn draws more companies and people to relocate in Yuma County. The county's latest succes stories include companies like Johnson Controls, Alside, and Northwestern Industries which were drawn to Yuma because of its readily available workforce.
Workforce
Labor force and employment rates can be directly linked to population growth. The county is currently experienced an annual average estimated unemployment rate of 13.5% in 2006. Yuma's unemployment rate is is mostly due to seasonal employment in the agricultural community. Other factors are tourism and seasonal winter visitors which impact the retail and hospitality sector.
