With the exception of the decade of
the 1920’s, when the cotton prices plummeted, Mesa increased by at
least 79% every decennial census through 1990.
In 1990 the census showed Mesa to
have the highest growth rate of any city over 100,00 in the United
States; the population grew 89% from 152,404 in 1980 to 288,091 in
1990. In 2000 Mesa’s population is approximately 404,000, over
100,000 people more than in 1990. The mild winter climate, beautiful
environment, and strong economic conditions attract more residents
every year. From humble beginnings, Mesa has developed into the
third largest city in Arizona and the 46th largest city
in the United States. The Census Bureau now designates the Valley as
the Phoenix-Mesa Metropolitan Statistical Area. Mesa’s pioneers
might not recognize the present-day city, but surely would be proud
of what they began.
