| Prescott is located in central Arizona amid the largest strand of Ponderosa Pine in the world. Since Prescott's founding as the first territorial Capital of Arizona and the establishment of nearby Fort Whipple, government has been a dominant sector in the city's economy. Prescott is the headquarters of the Prescott National Forest and is the Yavapai County seat. The city is named in honor of William Hickling Prescott, a noted historian. | FOUNDED: 1864 COUNTY: Yavapai County ELEVATION: 5,400 Feet INCORPORATED: Yes, 1883 HIGHWAYS: I-17, SR 89,69 | DISTANCE TO PHOENIX: 102 miles DISTANCE TO TUCSON: 213 miles DISTANCE TO LAS VEGAS: 251 miles DISTANCE TO LOS ANGELES: 379 miles DISTANCE TO FLAGSTAFF: 95 miles |
| Population | | | 1990 | 1998 | 1999 | | Prescott | 26,5592 | 34,610 | 35,785 | | Yavapai County | 107,714 | 148,500 | 155,900 | | Arizona | 3,665,228 | 4,764025 | 4,924,350 | | Sources: Arizona Dept of Economic Security & U.S. Census Bureau |
| Principal Economic Activities | | Prescott is the center for trade in the region, with abundant retail establishments, professional services and manufacturing plants. Yavapai Regional Medical Center & Veterans Administration Hospital provide excellent diagnostic emergency and treatment centers. Travel and tourism, cultural institutions and government offices are important to Prescott's economy. Prescott National Forest, area lakes, and established trail and park systems provide numerous outdoor activities for residents and visitors. | | County Employment | 1990 | 1999 | | Agricultural, Forestry Fishing | 169 | | | Construction | 2368 | 4325 | | FIRE | 1375 | 2125 | | Manufacturing | 2490 | 3250 | | Mining | 843 | 925 | | Retail Trade | 7548 | | | Services | 8277 | 14,225 | | TCPU | 1044 | 1375 | | Trade | | 12874 | | Source: Az. Dept of Economic Security and U.S. Census Bureau | | |
| | Major Private Employers | | 1. Wal-Mart | | 2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. | | 3. Phelp-Dodge Bagdad Copper | | 4. Sturm Ruger & Company | | 5. Yavapai Regional Medical Center |
| | Major Public Employers | | 1. State of Arizona | | 2. City of Prescott | | 3. Prescott Unified School District | | 4. Veterans Administration Medical Center | 5. Yavapai County |
|
| 
| Labor Force Data | | | 1990 | 1998 | 1999 | | Civilian Labor Force | 11,412 | 16,650 | 17,121 | | Unemployment | 583 | 622 | 647 | | Unemployment Rate | 5.1% | 3.7% | 3.8% | | Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security | | | | Growth Indicators | 1990 | 1998 | 1999 | | New Building Permits | 511 | 948 | 1068 | | Taxable Sales ($) | $380m | $658m | $717m | | Net Assessed Valuation ($) | $139m | $244m | $278m | | Sources: Ariz State Univ, Arizona Dept of Revenue |
| Scenic Attractions | | Prescott is rich in historic and scenic attractions. Sharlot Hall Museum and the Smoki Museum contain pioneer and Indian artifacts. Nearby recreational opportunities include: Thumb Butte, Prescott's outstanding landmark; scenic drives, such as the Senator Highway, and the Prescott national Forest, which contains more than 1.2 million acres of land. A number of lakes are within the vicinity, including Lynx, Granite Basin, Watson, Willow and Goldwater. Major annual events include Territorial Days, Bluegrass Festival, and All-Indian Pow-Wow in June; The Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo and Celebration on the Fourth of July; The Phippen Western Art Show on Memorial Day weekend; The County Fair and the Faire on the Square in September; and the Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting in December. |
|
