Sierra Vista, Arizona
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
City of Sierra Vista, Arizona | |||
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Location in Cochise County and the state of Arizona | |||
Coordinates: | |||
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Country | United States | ||
State | Arizona | ||
County | Cochise | ||
Incorporated | 1956 | ||
Government | |||
- Mayor | Bob Strain | ||
Area | |||
- Total | 153.4 sq mi (397.5 km²) | ||
- Land | 153.46 sq mi (397.4 km²) | ||
- Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.1 km²) | ||
Elevation | 4,633 ft (1,412 m) | ||
Population (2005)[1] | |||
- Total | 41,908 | ||
- Density | 273.2/sq mi (105.4/km²) | ||
Time zone | MST (no DST) (UTC-7) | ||
ZIP codes | 85600-85699 | ||
Area code(s) | 520 | ||
FIPS code | 04-66820 | ||
GNIS feature ID | 0011284 | ||
Website: http://www.ci.sierra-vista.az.us/ |
Sierra Vista is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 41,908.[1] Fort Huachuca, a U.S. Army post, is located in the northwest part of the city.
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[edit] Geography
Sierra Vista is located at [2].
(31.545498, -110.276500)According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 153.5 square miles (397.5 km²), of which, 153.5 square miles (397.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it is water. It is located 4,623 feet above sea level.
[edit] Demographics
Sierra Vista is the largest of seven incorporated cities in Cochise County accounting for nearly one-third of the County's estimated population of 137,200[3]. According to the March 2007 release of the Cochise College, Center for Economic Research's (CER) 2008 Economic Outlook[4], the July 2007 Arizona Department of Commerce (DEC) estimated population for the City of Sierra Vista, Arizona was 44,736. According to Census 2000 population counts the City's population were 37,775; representing an estimated 18.4 percent growth in population from 2000 to 2007. In addition, Sierra Vista is the 16th largest incorporated place in Arizona as of July 2007 DEC estimated population figures.
Also indicated in the CER 2008 Economic Outlook publication, the Arizona DEC estimates the Sierra Vista Area size is approximately 72,000, which includes outlying areas of Sierra Vista Southeast Census Designated Place (CDP), Huachuca City, Tombstone, Whetstone, and surrounding areas. The population of the Sierra Vista Area is estimated to reach nearly 100,000 by 2028.
According to Census 2000 figures, the Sierra Vista population is comprised of 14,196 households, and 9,993 families residing in the city. The population density was 246.1 people per square mile (95.0/km²). There were 15,685 housing units at an average density of 102.2/sq mi (39.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.34% White, 10.89% Black or African American, 3.57% Asian, 0.83% Native American and 0.46% Pacific Islander. 6.05% of the population is from other races, and 4.86% from two or more races. 15.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
There were 14,196 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 13.0% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,427, and the median income for a family was $44,077. Males had a median income of $30,053 versus $23,805 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,436. About 8.0% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.
As of Census 2000, of the population (37,775) 25 years and older 91.5 percent had at least a high school diploma or equivalent and an estimated 25.7 percent held a bachelors degree or higher[5]. The CER indicates that there has been an increasing trend for residents to attain a bachelor's degree or higher making the local area competitive in today's technological working environment. The estimated population of resident's educated at a post-secondary level (some college credit or more) in Sierra Vista is estimated to be higher than county, state, and national averages[6].
The city includes Fort Huachuca, a U.S. Army post, an active and historical military installation and a communications and information technology hub.
[edit] Sports teams and events
The Cochise County Cavaliers are an Arizona Football League (semi-pro/minor league football) team that plays at Apache Middle School. The team was established in 2005.
[edit] A View of Sierra Vista
Several mountain ranges surround Sierra Vista. The Huachuca Mountains are nearest to Sierra Vista. Their highest point is Miller Peak (9,440 feet or 2,877 meters). The city's name describes the rugged terrain, and at an elevation of 4,623 feet (1,409 meters), the city boasts a view of the Mule, Dragoon, Whetstone and Huachuca Mountains. The population has recently passed 40,000. It is the economic center of Cochise County, thanks to Fort Huachuca, which is one of the largest employers in the state of Arizona. Many civilian contractors commute to the fort from Tucson. The city annexed Fort Huachuca into its boundaries in 1971. The two communities hold a strong working relationship and share many facilities and joint activities.
Sierra Vista was incorporated in 1956. The city is the shopping center for Cochise County and parts of northern Sonora. Located within the city is The Mall at Sierra Vista and some shopping centers. There are a few cultural and recreational activities are available within a short distance from the city. Gray Hawk Nature Center [1], located on the San Pedro River, offers nature education programs and house live reptile and invertebrate exhibits.
Sierra Vista was the first city to have a McDonald's Drive-Thru. It first opened its window on January 24, 1975 to be able to quickly feed many of the soldiers coming from Fort Huachuca. In May of 1999, the original McDonald's was closed down and demolished. A new McDonald's was replaced.
Water has been a divisive issue in Southern Arizona, and certainly in Sierra Vista. Despite a very modest growth rate of the city (2 percent), water discussions have often come to the forefront. Despite scientifically-proven massive underground reservoirs of water, a few alarmed residents of Sierra Vista believe that a supposed 'uncontrolled growth' of the city will eventually dry up the San Pedro River that flows nearby. Meanwhile, there is a strong community-driven culture that favors common sense and smarth growth, in which leaders from all sectors are continually seeking ways to reduce the use of water in this beautiful desert environment.
The Huachuca Mountains have been a route for illegal aliens. Since 2001, notebooks containing Arabic writing have also been found at vacant illegal alien encampments.
[edit] Notable residents
- Dan Wilson, Motocross Professional AMA Motocross racer.
- Nicole Powell, basketball player in the WNBA
- Erik Van Hollenbeck, notable actor and playwright
- Audrey Sibley, Miss Arizona 2005
- Glenn Spencer, activist opposed to illegal immigration and operator of Sierra Vista-based American Patrol
- Don Frye, mixed martial arts fighter
- Jesse Futrell, world renowned vocalist and thespian
- Brandi Milloy, a finalist on Oprah's Big Give (Season 1) and a former Miss Sierra Vista
- Michael Dupes, Professional NPPL paintball player. Semi-professional dart player for NDA / Medalist / ADO.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Population for All Incorporated Places in Arizona (CSV). 2005 Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division (June 21, 2006). Retrieved on November 14, 2006.
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Cochise: Center For Economic Research - Publications
- ^ Cochise: Center For Economic Research - Publications
- ^ 37,775
- ^ Cochise: Center For Economic Research - Publications
Alissa Cardenas world famous cheif
[edit] External links
- Sierra Vista, Arizona is at coordinates Coordinates:
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