Mesa is one of the largest cities in Arizona. It is also classified among the fastest growing cities in United States. In United States, census is conducted after every ten years. The information obtained from census is used in determining the number of political seats in each region, and also in the states planning. The census report also provides information about population based on certain factors such as racial, age and education level. The Mesa city population in 2000 was 396,375 (Marc & Mackun, 2001). It is estimated that the population will be above 450,000 in the 2010 census. The city is hence considered one of the densely populated cities in Arizona. The city has witnessed high increase in population which has contributed to the development of certain environmental and social problems. In the 2000 census, the city recorded a over 36.6 % increase in census population (Infoplease.com, 2007). The population growth in Mesa varies among people of different geographic locations and social class.
In 2000 the city recorded over 36.6% population increase compared to a 40.0% increase in the Arizona thus Mesa was classified as one of the cities in Arizona experiencing fast population growth (Infoplease.com, 2007). Most cities in Arizona registered a smaller population increase when compared to Mesa. Based on the 2000 census report the income level had increased to over $19,000 per annum. The largest racial group in Mesa according to the 2000 census report is the white people. The blacks and black Americans and other immigrants such as Indian, Asians and other native communities comprised of approximately14% of the total population. The race with the biggest population in the region is the Latino race. According to the 2000 census the number of people with mixed races increased by 2.8% (Infoplease.com, 2007). According to 2000 census the highest population growth rate based on age was for people below 18 years. The city had a small number of people aged above 65 years most of who lived alone in their households. On the other hand, the female population according to the 2000 census report was slightly higher compared to the males’ population (Marc & Mackun, 2001). It was estimated that the female population was higher by 2%. The census report also showed that the education level in Mesa had improved with an estimated 84% of the total population being high school graduates. The 2000 census report also showed an increase on the number of people in Mesa who had enrolled for a bachelor’s degree. Among other cities in Arizona based on the 2000 census report Mesa was classified as one of the cities whose literacy levels was high.
There was a positive increase on the number of people in Mesa who owned homes. On the other hand, the number of people living in rentals had declined. The census report showed that the city had recorded a decline on poverty level when compared to 1990 census report. In 1999 only 8.9% of the total population lived below poverty line (Infoplease.com, 2007). Most of the people below the poverty line were aged above 35 years. There were several factors that were associated with increased population rate. Increased educational level was considered one of the reasons for increased income which contributed to increased population level. In addition, positive growth in the economic sector between 1990 and 2000 was also attributed with the decline in poverty level thus promoting a positive population growth (Marc & Mackun, 2001).
According to the 2000 census report it is estimated that Mesa will record a positive population growth rate in the coming 2010 census. In addition, the census will record a positive increase in education level and income. It is expected that over 40% of the citizens will have tertiary education (United States census bureau, 2008). The city which is the home to several universities and colleges will record a higher number of people joining tertiary institutions after graduating from high schools thus literary level will b higher. There will however be a decline in the number of children below the age of five especially because most females will be employed. The 2010 census report will also record a positive growth in number of owner occupied housing units and a further decline on housing rentals. The number of women working or owning business premises is also expected to increase in 2010 census. The 2010 census will also be expected to record an increase on number of owner owned households with children below the age of 18 (United States census bureau, 2008). As a result of increased population, the amount of time to be spent while commuting to work is also expected to increase during 2010 census. This will mainly be associated with poor planning by the government concerning public transport. The increased population can be attributed with mortgage crisis which is forcing most people to invest of owner owned houses. Increases population has a positive industrial gain since it will increase labor force.
The high population growth rate in Mesa has contributed to the rise of certain environmental problems. Global warming is one such problem which is threatening the city of Mesa (Greene, 2003). To ensure that the city is not adversely affected by most of the environmental problems it is experiencing currently, new technology need to be introduced to increase air filtration and lower gas emission. In addition, in order to reduce pollution the government needs to invest in public transport in order to reduce pollution from vehicles. Mesa is one of the few cities in United States with poor public transport system. The increase in population will also affect employment (Greene, 2003). It is expected that the number of unemployed youths in 2010 will be higher compared unemployment rates in the 2000 census.
References
- Greene, W. R. (2003). Sociology and you. Ohio: Glencoe McGraw-Hill publishers.
- Infoplease.com. (2007). Quickfacts from US Census bureau Mesa, Arizona. Pearson education publishers.
- Marc, J. P. & Mackun, P. J. (2000). Population change and distribution: Census 2000 brief. US: Pearson publishers.
- United States census bureau. (2008). Annual estimates of the population for incorporated places in Arizona. Arizona: City of mesa government press.