Mesa, Arizona
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| Mesa, Arizona | |
|---|---|
 Cygnusloop99 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source | |
| Name | Mesa |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Mesa |
| Coordinates | 33, 25, 20, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Arizona |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Maricopa |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1878 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | John Giles |
| Leader title1 | City Council |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 359.0 |
| Area total sq mi | 138.6 |
| Area land km2 | 358.6 |
| Area land sq mi | 138.4 |
| Area water km2 | 0.4 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.2 |
| Elevation ft | 1243 |
| Population total | 504,258 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | MST (no DST) |
| Utc offset | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 85201–85216 |
| Area code | 480, 602 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 04-46000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2411084 |
| Website | www.mesaaz.gov |
Mesa, Arizona. A principal city in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the third-most populous city in Arizona after Phoenix and Tucson. Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1878, it has grown into a major suburban hub known for its aerospace industry, educational institutions, and diverse cultural attractions. Situated in the Sonoran Desert within the Salt River Valley, the city is characterized by a hot desert climate and extensive use of historic irrigation canals.
History
The area has been inhabited for centuries, with the Hohokam people constructing an extensive network of canals for agriculture, remnants of which influenced later settlement. Modern Mesa was founded in 1878 by Daniel Webster Jones and other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who re-excavated the ancient Hohokam canals. The settlement was incorporated as a city in 1883, with early growth tied to agriculture, particularly citrus, cotton, and alfalfa. The arrival of Falcon Field and Williams Air Force Base during World War II spurred significant population growth and economic diversification, transitioning the city from a farming community to a modern suburb and industrial center.
Geography
Mesa is located in the Salt River Valley on the southern edge of the Mogollon Rim, entirely within the Sonoran Desert. The city's terrain is generally flat with slight rises such as Usery Mountain and the Superstition Mountains to the east. It is bordered by the Salt River to the north and the Gila River to the south. The area is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, adjacent to cities like Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert. The climate is classified as a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters, and the city lies within the Arizona Sun Corridor.
Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, Mesa had a population of over 500,000 residents. The city has a diverse racial and ethnic composition, with a significant and growing Hispanic or Latino community. A notable portion of the population identifies as White non-Hispanic, with other significant groups including African American, Native American, and Asian. Religious demographics are varied, with a historically strong presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a wide range of other Protestant, Catholic, and non-Christian communities.
Economy
Mesa's economy is diverse, with major sectors including aerospace, technology, healthcare, and education. The city is a cornerstone of the Arizona Sun Corridor economy. Boeing and Airbus have significant operations here, particularly at the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport area. The city is also home to major healthcare providers like Banner Health and the Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus. Mesa Public Schools is a large employer, alongside higher education institutions such as Mesa Community College and the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus. Tourism, driven by spring training for Major League Baseball teams like the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, also contributes significantly.
Culture and recreation
Mesa boasts a vibrant cultural scene anchored by institutions like the Mesa Arts Center, one of the largest such facilities in the Southwestern United States. The city hosts numerous festivals, including the Mesa Arts Festival and the Arizona Celebration of Freedom. Historical attractions include the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Mesa Arizona Temple. Outdoor recreation is centered around parks like Usery Mountain Regional Park, the Salt River waterways, and the nearby Tonto National Forest. The city is also known for its spring training facilities, including Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium.
Government
Mesa operates under a council–manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor, currently John Giles, and six council members elected from districts. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee daily municipal operations. The city provides a full range of services, including police through the Mesa Police Department and fire protection through the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Mesa is part of Arizona's 1st congressional district and is represented in the U.S. House and the Arizona Legislature.
Category:Cities in Arizona Category:Maricopa County, Arizona Category:Populated places established in 1878