Tucson

Tucson, Arizona 

Tucson, the county seat of Pima County in Arizona, is where the University of Arizona is located. With a population of 542,629 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, it is the second-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix, with a total population of 1,043,433 for the Tucson metropolitan statistical area (MSA). In the bigger Tucson-Nogales combined statistical region, the Tucson MSA is included (CSA). Anchoring the Arizona Sun Corridor are Tucson and Phoenix. The city is 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of the border with Mexico and 108 miles (174 kilometers) southeast of Phoenix. Tucson is the 53rd-largest metropolitan area and the 34th-largest city in the country (2014). 

Tucson's major incorporated suburbs include Oro Valley and Marana to the northwest of the city, Sahuarita to the south of the city, and South Tucson, which is located in a neighborhood south of downtown. Casas Adobes, Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells, Midvale Park, Tanque Verde, Tortolita, and Vail are some of the nearby communities (some of which are inside or border the city borders). Benson, Catalina, and Oracle, as well as Green Valley, are cities that are not part of the Tucson metropolitan region. 

Hugo O'Conor's approval of the construction of Presidio San Agustin del Tucson in 1775 marked the beginning of Spanish colonization of Tucson as a military stronghold. Following Mexico's independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821, it was incorporated into the state of Sonora. Under the terms of the Gadsden Purchase, the United States purchased from Mexico a territory measuring 29,670 square miles (76,840 km2) that is now southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. From 1867 to 1877, Tucson was the Arizona Territory's seat of government. During the territorial era and the early years of statehood, Tucson had the highest population in Arizona; nevertheless, Phoenix had exceeded Tucson by 1920. However, throughout the latter half of the 20th century, population growth remained robust. Tucson is the first American city to receive this designation from UNESCO in 2017 as a "City of Gastronomy." 

Tucsón [tukson], the Spanish name for the city, is derived from the O'odham word cukon [tkn], which means "(at the) base of the black [hill]" and alludes to Sentinel Peak, a basalt-covered hill. In addition to "The Old Pueblo," Tucson is also known as "Optics Valley" due to its famed optical research and telescopes. 

Geography 

The City of Tucson has a land area of 226.71 square miles as of 2010, according to the United States Census Bureau (587.2 km2). 

The city is 2,643 feet (806 meters) above sea level (as measured at the Tucson International Airport). Tucson is located in the Sonoran Desert on an alluvial plain and is encircled by five minor mountain ranges: the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Tortolita Mountains, the Santa Rita Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, and the Tucson Mountains. The highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains is 9,157 feet (2,791 meters) Mount Lemmon, which is also the southernmost ski resort in the continental United States. In contrast, the Wasson Peak in the Tucson Mountains is 4,687 feet (1,429 meters) high. Mount Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains, which rises 9,453 feet (2,881 meters) above sea level, is the highest point in the vicinity. 

Tucson is 69 miles (111 kilometers) north of the border with Mexico and 116 miles (187 km) southeast of Phoenix. The city has 520,116 residents, and there are 980,263 people living in the metropolitan area, according to the 2010 United States Census. Tucson was the 52nd-largest metropolitan area and the 32nd-largest city in the United States in 2009. Tucson, the largest city in southern Arizona and the second-largest in the state after Phoenix, is a significant metropolis in the Arizona Sun Corridor. Additionally, it is the biggest city in the historic Gadsden Purchase region. The Greater Tucson Metro area's population has surpassed 1 million as of 2015. 

The Santa Cruz River, which was once a perennial river, runs along the edge of the city. Despite being a dry riverbed for the majority of the year, it still frequently floods during heavy seasonal rains. 

Interstate 10 passes through Tucson in the northwest, connecting it to Phoenix in the northwest (on the way to Santa Monica, California, where it ends), Las Cruces in the southeast, and El Paso in the southwest. Jacksonville, Florida, is the location of its eastern terminus. 

I-19 travels south from Tucson to Nogales and the border with Mexico. The only Interstate route that uses "kilometer posts" rather than "mileposts" is I-19. Speed limits, however, are indicated in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. 

Climate 

Tucson has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh), with a scorching summer and a moderate winter as its two main seasons. The North American Monsoon in summer and the Pacific storms in January are the two seasons with the most precipitation in Tucson, Arizona, with 10.61 inches (269.5 mm) annually on average. The months of fall and spring are often sunny and dry. Tucson is slightly cooler and wetter than Phoenix, despite sharing the same latitude, for a number of reasons, including height and orographic lift in the nearby mountains, even though Tucson occasionally has greater daytime temperatures in the winter. 

Summer is characterized by lows between 71 and 77 °F (22 and 25 °C) and average daily highs between 98 and 102 °F (37 and 39 °C). While mid-summer and late summer are marked by increased humidity, gloomy sky, and more frequent rain, early summer is characterized by low humidity and bright skies. Tucson experiences severe sun for a portion of the year, so anyone spending time outside needs to wear protection. According to recent studies, Arizona has a skin cancer rate that is at least three times greater than that of more northern regions. Hikers, mountain bikers, and explorers who explore canyons, open desert regions, and other exposed areas should also be aware of the risk of heat stroke. 

Despite the fact that the North American Monsoon season officially starts on June 15, its timing is variable and fluctuates from year to year. Around July 3, Tucson often experiences its first monsoon storms. The monsoon season typically lasts through August and even into September. The humidity is substantially higher during the monsoon than it is throughout the rest of the year. Early in the afternoon, clouds begin to gather from the south. This is followed by strong thunderstorms and heavy rain, which can result in flash floods. At this time of year, stunning lightning strikes frequently penetrate the nighttime sky. Since there aren't many storm sewers in the city, monsoon rains occasionally flood the main streets for a short period of time. In Tucson, a few underpasses feature "feet of water" scales painted on their supports to deter cars from fording them after a downpour. Title 28-910 of the Arizona Vehicle Code, also known as the "Stupid Motorist Law," was implemented in 1995 to deter individuals from traveling on flooded roads. Drivers who drive over a roadblock on a flooded road may be assessed a fee of up to $2000 to cover the costs of rescuing them. But between 2004 and 2010, three Tucson drivers drowned despite all cautions and safety measures. 

Fall weather is similar to spring in that it is dry with warm/cool evenings and warm/hot days. Up until early October, highs of 100 °F (38 °C) are probable. The quickest rate of temperature decrease occurs in October and November, and late December and early January typically see the lowest temperatures. 

Tucson experiences relatively moderate winters compared to other regions of the country. Overnight lows are typically between 40 and 44 °F (4 and 7 °C), with average daily highs between 65 and 70 °F (18 and 21 °C). Tucson experiences three hard freezes on average per winter season, with lows in the mid to low-20s (7 to 4 °C), however these are usually confined to just a handful of nights. Snow is a rare occurrence at Tucson's lower elevations, but it frequently occurs in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The last time snow fell in the southwest was on January 26, 2021, when a winter storm brought snow to most of the region. While Summerhaven in the mountains received 25 inches, the Tucson airport only received 1 inch. 

Temperatures steadily increase and vibrant wildflower blooms last for many weeks starting in late February and into early March during the early spring. The diurnal temperature variation typically reaches its peak during this time of year, frequently exceeding 30 °F (17 °C). 

The highest temperature ever recorded was 117 °F (47 °C) on June 27, 1990, and the lowest temperature ever recorded was 6 °F (14 °C) on January 7, 1913. In a typical year, there are 158 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or greater and 12 days with lows at or below the freezing point. The typical yearly rainfall is 10.61 in (269 mm). The average number of days with measurable precipitation is 47.4. The wettest year was 1905, when there was 24.17 in. (614 mm), while the driest year was 2020, when there was 4.16 in (106 mm). The month of July 2021 saw the most precipitation, 8.06 in (205 mm) of it. On July 29, 1958, there was 3.93 inches (100 mm) of precipitation in a 24-hour period. Average annual snowfall is 0.1 inches (0.25 cm). In the winter of 1971–1972, 6.8 inches (17 cm) of snow fell. 6.8 in (17 cm) of snow fell in one month, in December 1971. 

Economy 

The growth of the University of Arizona, the largest employer in the city, has been a major focus of Tucson's economic development. Tucson residents can find various jobs at the nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in the southeast of the city. Many high-tech industries, including government contractors, have grown as a result of its presence as well as that of the US Army Intelligence Center (Fort Huachuca, the largest employer in the area, in adjacent Sierra Vista). A significant center for the Union Pacific Railroad's Sunset Route, which connects the ports of Los Angeles with the South and Southeast of the nation, is the city of Tucson. 

Texas Instruments, IBM, Intuit, Universal Avionics, Honeywell Aerospace, Sunquest Information Systems, Sanofi-Aventis, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., and Bombardier Aerospace are a few of the major companies with significant operations in Tucson. Tucson is known as "Optics Valley" because about 150 local businesses specialize in the development and production of optics and optoelectronic devices. A significant portion of this originates from the Steward Observatory at The University of Arizona, one of just a few places on Earth capable of casting the massive mirrors used in telescopes throughout the planet and in space. 

Another significant industry in Tucson is tourism. Over 3.5 million visitors and $2 billion are attracted to the city each year by its numerous resorts, hotels, and attractions. 

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, as well as related events, are among the top yearly attractions. These events are typically held during the first two weeks of February. In 2010, 43 separate displays were organized in the city for these related exhibits (such as gems, jewelry, beads, and fossils). The largest such exposition worldwide is now held in Tucson. In 2015, $120 million was estimated to be its annual economic impact. 

A large number of winter residents, sometimes known as "snowbirds," are drawn to Tucson's mild winters and choose to live here seasonally in addition to tourists. Additionally, they support the regional economy. The property tax base in Tucson and the surrounding areas is greatly increased by snowbirds who frequently buy second homes there. 

Sports 

Tucson is not a member of any of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, or MLS, the country's top five professional sports leagues. Locals are very interested in the University of Arizona Wildcats sports, especially the men's basketball and women's softball squads. The men's basketball team, led by current coach Tommy Lloyd and former Hall of Fame head coach Lute Olson, has appeared in 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments (1985-2009) and won the 1997 National Championship. The Arizona softball team has made 12 appearances in the NCAA National Championship game and has eight victories, the most recent coming in 2007. In 1976, 1980, 1986, and 2012, the men's baseball team won the NCAA National Championship. Swimmers go from as far away as Japan and Africa to train with the university's swimming teams under the direction of coach Frank Busch, who has long worked with the U.S. Olympic swim team. The 2008 NCAA National Championships were won by both the men's and women's swimming teams. 

The independent Pecos League's Tucson Saguaros began playing baseball in 2016 and play their home games at Amphitheater High School. In their first season, they became league champions. From 2011 through 2013, the Tucson Padres played at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. They functioned as the San Diego Padres' AAA affiliate. In order to wait for a new stadium to be built in Escondido, the team, formerly known as the Portland Beavers, temporarily relocated from Portland to Tucson. The 2014 season was played in El Paso, Texas since the construction of the Escondido stadium was halted by legal difficulties. The Tucson Sidewinders, an Arizona Diamondbacks triple-A club, previously won the Pacific Coast League championship and unofficial AAA championship in 2006. The Sidewinders belonged to the Pacific Conference South of the PCL and played their games at Tucson Electric Park. After the 2008 season, the Sidewinders relocated to Reno, Nevada after being sold in 2007. They currently play as the Reno Aces. 

After the 2015–2016 season, the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons relocated to Tucson and became the Tucson Roadrunners. They are linked to the Arizona Coyotes and compete in the AHL's Pacific division. 

The Mobile Mini Sun Cup, the biggest Major League Soccer (MLS) preseason competition in the nation, is also held in Tucson. Every winter, up to 11 MLS soccer teams practice in Tucson. FC Tucson is a third-tier USL League One professional soccer team that is based in Tucson. 

Tucson is home to the United States Handball Association Hall of Fame. 

Full-contact women's football team the Tucson Monsoon competed in the Independent Women's Football League from its formation in 2006 until its dissolution in 2009. As an expansion squad of the Women's Football Alliance in 2009, the Arizona She-Devils also participated in women's football in Tucson. 

Tucson Raceway Park and Rillito Downs are two tracks. Tucson Raceway Park is one of only two asphalt short tracks in Arizona and hosts NASCAR-sanctioned auto racing events. Rillito Downs is a popular weekend attraction in the town every January and February. The world's first professionally run quarter horse races were staged at this legendary track, and they are still run today. Growth poses a threat to the racetrack. Another historic horse racetrack, the Moltacqua racetrack, was once located at the intersection of Vactor Ranch Trail and Sabino Canyon Road. 

The Tucson Convention Center's recently refurbished Tucson Arena will host an expansion franchise from the Indoor Football League, it was revealed in 2018. The Tucson Sugar Skulls would be the team's official name. 

Population 

Tucson is a city in Arizona's Pima County. It serves as Pima County's county seat as well. It will have a population of 549,382 in 2023, making it the 33rd largest city in the United States and the second largest city in Arizona. Tucson's population has grown by 0.74% from the most recent census, which showed a population of 545,340 in 2020, and is now expanding at a pace of 0.41% annually. Tucson has a population density of 2,308 persons per square mile, spanning over 238 miles. 

Tucson has a poverty rate of 23.94% and a $58,057 average household income. The median monthly cost of rent in recent years has been, and the median value of a home is. Tucson's population is 34 years old on average, with 32.6 years for men and 35.5 years for women. 

Tucson has a sizable transient population that fluctuates throughout the year. The University of Arizona, the second-largest employer in the city, and tourism, with over 3.5 million visitors annually, account for a substantial portion of the local economy. Along with tourists, there are a lot of winter residents (also known as snowbirds) who relocate here for the mild winters; many of them buy second homes nearby. 

Top 2 News Websites 

Tucson Weekly 

The most reliable source of news for Tucson is The Tucson Weekly. Everything that makes our city great in print and online, including politics, culture, the arts, music, food, and more. 

Tucson Local Media 

Local media in Tucson provides a voice for those active in a range of themes and concerns that affect our readers, including politics, business, sports, recreation, and the arts. 

Current City Mayor 

After winning the election in November 2019, Mayor Regina Romero became Tucson's first female and Latina mayor. Regina broke down barriers early on as the first member of her family to vote and the first to earn a college degree. She was raised by immigrant farmworkers in Somerton, Arizona. Regina Romero held the position of Ward 1 City Council Member from 2007 until her election as mayor in 2019. 

By focusing on the following issues, Mayor Romero hopes to make Tucson a prosperous, sustainable desert city in the future: