Pinal among least economically ‘distressed’ zip codes; Ariz. among most, survey shows
by Phil Riske | Rose Law Group Reporter
According to a nationwide survey by a Washington D.C. think tank, 22 percent of Arizona zip codes are economically distressed, while Pinal County showed less than 4 percent in that category.
Arizona’s ranking was sixth highest in the country behind Nevada, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama.
The Economic Innovation Group based its finding for 25,000 zip codes on seven factors between 2009-2012:
- Educational Attainment: Percent of population 25 years and over with a high school degree.
- Housing Vacancy Rate: Percent of habitable housing that is unoccupied.
- Unemployment Rate: Share of the labor force that is unemployed.
- Poverty Level: Percent of population living under the poverty line.
- Median Income Ratio: Ratio of the zip code’s median income to the state’s median income.
- Change In Employment: Percent change in the number of individuals employed.
- Change in Business Establishments: Percent change in the number of businesses.