Even thought Arizona has struggled with government budget deficits, high unemployment, and many people losing their homes due to the housing crisis, Arizona still ranks in the Top 10 for fastest growing states.  People are still interested in moving to Arizona, and there are a few reasons why. 

First of all, the housing crisis has made homes more affordable in Arizona than they have been in almost 10 years.  The Phoenix Metro area is still young compared to many other cities, and there is still lots of growth potential, and major infrastructure to be developed.  This last year, we got our light rail system up and running.  Phoenix is centrally located throughout the United States.  We have one of the largest universities in Tempe.  You never have to shovel snow, and it is clear skies and sunny over 300 days a year.  There are lots of things to do and see, and plenty of opportunities for businesses to build, grow, and develop.  Plus, we still have all four major sports, as well as MLB Spring Training.

The population in Arizona may have slowed due to the recession, but it has slowed throughout the United States.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona's population increased by 1.48 percent between July 2008 and June 2009 and sits at nearly 6.6 million.  In the boom times during 2006, the growth rate was at 3.6 percent for Arizona, but that was a rate nobody could sustain.  The largest growth rate by any state during July 2008 and June 2009 was Wyoming at 2.12 percent, but keep in mind that Wyoming's population is estimated at under 550,000.  Here are the other states ranked 1 through 10.

POPULATION GROWTH

Top 10 Population Growth States, July 2008-June 2009

1. Wyoming 2.12 percent

2. Utah 2.10 percent

3. Texas 1.97 percent

4. Colorado 1.81 percent

5. Alaska 1.50 percent

6. Washington 1.49 percent

7. Arizona 1.48 percent

8. North Carolina 1.45 percent

9. Georgia 1.35 percent

10.South Carolina 1.29 percent 

There are over 100,000 births a year now in Arizona, even during a recession.  With only half as many deaths a year, there is a natural increase of 50,000 people every year.  The biggest drop off in population is the lack of people moving to Arizona from other states.  Arizona is still getting a significant amount of international migration, as "No matter how weak things are in Arizona, it still may be better than what they're leaving behind," said Lee McPheters, research professor of economics at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

I have a feeling that Arizona will continue to remain in the Top 10 List for Overall Population Growth for many more years.