Arizona Economy

Agriculture and Industry Services and Products

Arizona Agriculture and Industry

The 2004 total gross state product was $187.27 billion. If Arizona were an independent country, it would have the 61st largest economy in the world (CIA - The World Factbook). This figure gives Arizona a larger economy than most other countries, including Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. Arizona currently has the 21st largest economy among states in the U.S..

The state's per capita income is $27,232, 39th in the U.S. Early in its history, Arizona's economy relied on the "Five C's": copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate (tourism). At one point Arizona was the largest producer of cotton in the country.

Arizona Agriculture:

Arizona supplies fruits and vegetables for markets in colder parts of the United States. Principal crops include lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, and sorghum. But dairy items and cattle are Arizona’s most valuable agricultural products.

Mild winters contribute to a productive farming industry.

Arizona Industry:

Copper and other mining, electric equipment, transportation equipment, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, electronics, tourism.

The state government is the Arizona's largest employer, while Wal-Mart is the state's largest private employer, with 17,343 employees (2003). Arizona lost much of its comparative advantage as a high-tech industry leader between 1990 and 2001, according to a state Department of Commerce report.

Manufacturing is Arizona’s leading economic activity. The state produces electronics, published materials, processed foods and items for the aerospace and transportation industries. In this rapidly growing state, construction, communications, and technology are important contributors to the economy.

Service industries continue to grow along with the tourist trade. Large numbers of visitors come each year to enjoy Arizona’s warm climate, and unique natural features including the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Monument Valley, and meteor craters. Ancient Native American ruins and Indian reservations also attract many tourists. National and State forests are popular vacation spots for millions of visitors each year.

The mineral wealth of Arizona is great. The state leads the nation in the production of copper. Copper is still extensively mined from many expansive open-pit and underground mines, accounting for two-thirds of the nation's output. Sand and gravel are also important resources. Less plentiful but valuable minerals mined in Arizona include gold, lead, silver, stone, zinc, and uranium.