Surprise, AZ News blog

SURPRISE, AZ (Sept. 5, 2008) Surprise will grow briskly over the next five years and maintain a median household income above the state and national averages, according to newly-released estimates by a national forecasting service.

Data compiled by ESRI, a California-based geographic information software provider that performs demographic analysis, indicate the city’s five year annual growth rate will be nearly 5.3 percent. The firm estimates that nearly 135,000 people will call Surprise home by the year 2013. Surprise estimates its current population at 108,000.

“5.3 percent is a very healthy rate of growth especially in a very slow growth economy and with serious problems in the housing industry,” says City Manager Randy Oliver. “We are confident we can continue to provide the best customer service in this growth environment.”

ESRI estimates the Surprise median household income at $63,247, well above the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 national estimate of $50,740 and the Arizona estimate of $49,889. ESRI estimates the Surprise median income will grow to approximately $77,000 in the next five years.

Economic Development Director John Hagen says median household income is important to retailers considering new locations. “Above average median incomes also speak to the quality of the workforce in Surprise and will be of interest to companies thinking of relocating here,” he adds.

Currently, 16.7 percent of Surprise households report income of $100,000 or more, ESRI estimates that percentage will jump to nearly 28 percent by the year 2013.