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The Town of Marana was incorporated in 1977 with about 10 square miles and a population of 1,500. Although the area was populated by indigenous people for many centuries, modern Marana, Arizona was established to serve mining and ranching after the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1880. Click here to download Marana's Economic Profile.
Farming followed shortly thereafter with the introduction of a series of irrigation projects, and by the 1920s the area was a thriving agricultural district. Cotton, winter wheat, and cattle have been the area's primary agricultural products since that time.
The town has pursued an aggressive annexation policy in the past and now is nearly 120 square miles in size, with environments ranging from pristine Sonoran Desert foothills and riparian areas along the Santa Cruz River to active agricultural lands and commercial and residential developments.
Along with Marana's physical growth, the population has also swelled with the development of a number of master-planned communities. Marana has an estimated population in 2006 of 30,000 residents, up from approximately 13,500 in the 2000 census. The population of Marana is expected to grow to 45,000 in 2010; 75,000 in 2020; and 100,000 by 2030.
The population of Marana is diverse, both ethnically and economically. The town has a wide range of housing options to meet the needs of virtually every socioeconomic group.
Marana is bisected by a major interstate highway system (Interstate 10) and by the Union Pacific Railroad. Both of these transportation arteries are important to the growth and economic development of Marana's business community. Aviation is also important to the community, with the Marana Regional Airport and nearby Pinal Airpark serving industry and general aviation needs.
Water is an abundant resource for this desert community. The underlying aquifer provides the town with an assured 100-year supply for 225,000 residents. In addition, the Central Arizona Project canal passes through the town and provides an additional shared source of water from the Colorado River. Municipal wastewater systems in all communities within Pima County are managed by Pima County's Wastewater Management Department.
Marana's population is well educated, with 90.3 percent of its population having completed high school or higher and 29.1 percent holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The Town of Marana's industrial base includes agriculture, construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation, and information systems. Due to its recent population explosion, it is not surprising that construction is one of Marana's leading industries.
The estimated average household income in Marana in 2006 was $62,747. Major employers in the Marana area include Evergreen Air Center Inc., Arizona Portland Cement, CTI Transportation, and the Marana Unified School District. Retailers within the town include Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Kohl's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Fry's Food and Drug, and Safeway.
For assistance with expansion/retention of your existing Tucson-area business or if you are considering relocating/expanding to the Tucson region, contact:
Lee J. Smith
Sr. Vice President, Business Development
520.243.1909 or lee.smith@treoaz.org |