Arizona is the Fastest Growing State

by Trisha Steers, Larson Newspapers

While Arizona is now the fastest growing state in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sedona manages to fend off rapid population increases. The U.S. Census Buerau reported Arizona’s population increased by 3.6 percent from July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006, making in No. 1 in the United States. Sedona, on the other hand, experiences only 1 to 2 percent annual population growth. “That’s pretty low growth for Arizona,” Sedona City Manager Eric Levitt said. According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the population of Arizona grew from 5,130,632 on April 1, 2000, to 6,044,985 by July 1, 2005. This means 914,353 people joined the ranks as Arizona residents in five years-an increase of 17.8 percent. Sedona hasn’t boomed in the way the rest of the state has. The 2000 census reported that 10,192 people lived in Sedona. In 2005, DES recorded 10,935 residents of Sedona-only a 7.4 percent increase. Each year, Sedona’s population rises by 1 to 2 percent, adding between 100 and 150 to the population. Levitt attributes Sedona’s slow growth to two factors. One, Levitt said, city policy doesn’t encourage rapid growth. Two, Sedona’s size is restricted by natural barriers. Completely surrounded by U.S. National Forest, Sedona’s city limits are non-negotiable. These two factors, according to Levitt, work together to keep Sedona small. Levitt said U.S. Forest Service borders limit sprawl and encourages in-fill growth. But, city policy strictly regulates density. Therefore, little residential growth is possible, according to Levitt. Levitt said other cities in Arizona experience much more residential growth than Sedona. He said that growth has little impact on city services. “The residential growth is pretty much paying for itself through development impact fees,” Levitt said. While Sedona remains a more popular place to visit than to move, people flock to the rest of Arizona. Arizona beat out long-time growth leader Nevada by 0.1 percent, according to the census bureau. Nevada reported population growth of 3.5 percent from July 2005 to July 2006. Idaho is listed as the third-fastest growing state at 2.6 percent while Georgia and Texas tied for fourth at 2.5 percent.

Ten fastest growing states in the United States
1. Arizona, 3.6 percent
2. Nevada, 3.5 percent
3. Idaho, 2.6 percent
4. Georgia, 2.5 percent
5. Texas, 2.5 percent
6. Utah, 2.4 percent
7. North Carolina, 2.1 percent
8. Colorado, 1.9 percent
9. Florida, 1.8 percent
10. South Carolina, 1.7 percent