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Santa Cruz County, Arizona, has an annual GDP of approximately 2.5 billion dollars and a GDP per capita of about 52,366 dollars. The county's GDP growth rate over the last year was a modest 0.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.86% over the past 13 years, indicating slow but steady growth. In comparison to the state of Arizona, which boasts a GDP of 475.7 billion dollars and a higher GDP per capita of 66,318 dollars, Santa Cruz County lags behind in economic performance. Notably, the county's government contribution to GDP stands at 22.3%, which is significant compared to the state average of 11%. This suggests a reliance on government services, which may reflect the county's economic structure and challenges in diversifying its economy compared to more prosperous counties like Maricopa, which has a GDP of 350.2 billion dollars and a growth rate of 4.1%.
Santa Cruz County, AZ, exhibits an employment rate of 67.8% for individuals aged 20-64, which is below the state average of 72.5% and significantly lower than Maricopa County's 76.1%. The county's employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree stands at 80.3%, slightly above the state average of 82.2%, indicating a relatively educated workforce. However, the overall employment rate for high school graduates at 64.4% is also below the state average of 66.9%. Notably, the employment rate for Black residents in Santa Cruz County is just 23.2%, highlighting a significant disparity compared to the national average of 57.2%. This suggests that while educational attainment is relatively high, broader economic challenges may be impacting employment opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups.
Santa Cruz County, AZ, exhibits a mean household income of $51,885 and a median household income of $71,305, both significantly lower than the state averages of $72,581 and $98,569, respectively. The county's income per capita stands at $25,619, which is also below the state average of $38,334. Notably, 16.4% of households earn less than $20,000, indicating a higher level of economic distress compared to the state average of 11.2%. In comparison to other counties in Arizona, Santa Cruz County ranks among the lowest in income metrics, highlighting economic challenges that may stem from limited job opportunities and a reliance on lower-wage industries. This situation underscores the need for targeted economic development initiatives to improve income levels and reduce poverty in the region.