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Gilbert, Arizona

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Gilbert
Town
Gilbert’s Heritage Court as viewed from Gilbert Road.
Gilbert’s Heritage Court as viewed from Gilbert Road.
Official seal of Gilbert
Seal
Motto: 
"a service organization"
Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona
Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona
CountryUnited States
StateArizona
CountyMaricopa
Government
 • MayorJohn Lewis (R)
Area
 • Town76.0 sq mi (121.62 km2)
 • Land75.76 sq mi (120.98 km2)
 • Water0.24 sq mi (0.62 km2)
Elevation
1,237 ft (377 m)
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Town221,140 (US: 97th)
 • Density2,862.12/sq mi (1,788.82/km2)
 • Metro
4,329,534 (US: 13th)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST (no DST))
ZIP codes
85233, 85234, 85295-85298
Area code480
FIPS code04-27400
Websitehttp://www.gilbertaz.gov/

Gilbert is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, located southeast of Phoenix, within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Once known as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World",[2] Gilbert is currently the most populous incorporated town in the United States. Gilbert encompasses 76 square miles (197 km2) and has made a rapid transformation from an agriculture-based community to an economically diverse suburban center located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. In the last two decades, Gilbert has grown at an extremely high rate, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to 208,453 as of the 2010 census.

History

Gilbert owes its beginnings to William "Bobby" Gilbert who provided land to the Arizona Eastern Railway in 1902 to construct a rail line between Phoenix and Florence, Arizona. Ayer's Grocery Store, the first store in Gilbert, opened in 1910 and became the location of the first post office in 1912. The location of the town post office moved several times before settling on the east side of Gilbert Road in downtown, Where it still stands today. In 1912, many Mormons who had fled the Mormon colonies in Mexico due to the actions of the forces of Pancho Villa settled in Gilbert. By 1915, they began holding church meetings at the Gilbert Elementary School. In 1918, they were organized into the Gilbert Ward.[3]

Incorporated in July 1920, Gilbert was primarily a farming community fueled by the rail line and construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals. It remained an agricultural town for many years and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World"[4] from 1911 until the late 1920s.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, in the 2000 Census, the town had an estimated area of 40 square miles (104 km2). As of 2009, and due to annexations the current Municipal Planning Area of Gilbert has a total area of 76.0 square miles (197 km2), of which, 75.76 square miles (196.2 km2) of it is land and 0.24 square miles (0.6 km2) of it is water.

Climate

Climate data for Gilbert, Arizona
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 89
(32) 		95
(35) 		100
(38) 		106
(41) 		118
(48) 		119
(48) 		122
(50) 		115
(46) 		113
(45) 		107
(42) 		97
(36) 		86
(30) 		122
(50)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 67
(19) 		71
(22) 		77
(25) 		85
(29) 		95
(35) 		105
(41) 		107
(42) 		105
(41) 		100
(38) 		90
(32) 		75
(24) 		67
(19) 		87
(31)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 41
(5) 		45
(7) 		49
(9) 		54
(12) 		61
(16) 		70
(21) 		77
(25) 		76
(24) 		70
(21) 		59
(15) 		47
(8) 		40
(4) 		57
(14)
Record low °F (°C) 15
(−9) 		19
(−7) 		24
(−4) 		30
(−1) 		37
(3) 		43
(6) 		54
(12) 		51
(11) 		40
(4) 		30
(−1) 		22
(−6) 		17
(−8) 		15
(−9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.01
(26) 		1.03
(26) 		1.19
(30) 		0.33
(8.4) 		0.13
(3.3) 		0.04
(1.0) 		0.89
(23) 		1.14
(29) 		0.89
(23) 		0.81
(21) 		0.77
(20) 		0.98
(25) 		9.21
(235.7)
Source: The Weather Channel [5]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1920865—
1930791−8.6%
19408375.8%
19501,11433.1%
19601,83364.5%
19701,9717.5%
19805,717190.1%
199029,188410.5%
2000109,697275.8%
2010208,45390.0%
2012 (est.)221,1406.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
2012 Estimate[7]
Town Hall building at the Civic Center
A waterfront in the Val Vista Lakes Community in Gilbert
A view of the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Page Avenue in Gilbert Arizona. In the background is the Liberty Market and the iconic Gilbert water tower.
Photo at SanTan Village looking north towards the Macy's department store on Paseo Drive in Gilbert, Arizona

As of July 1, 2009, Maricopa Association of Governments,[8]

As of the census of 2000, there were 208,453 people, 74,147 housing units, and 3.01 persons per household.

  • Fastest growing municipality in the United States from 1990-2003. U.S. Census Bureau
  • Currently the 4th fastest growing municipality in the United States. U.S. Census Bureau - 2009
  • Ranked by CNN's Money magazine in 2008 as one of the best places to live in the United States.[9]
  • One of the top 25 safest cities in the United States.[10]
  • 34.5% of Gilbert residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.[11]
  • Highest household median income in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area with Population 50,000+ U.S. Census Bureau 2005

2009 According to Nielsens Claritas Demographics,[11] in 2009 the racial makeup of the town was:

2009 Estimated Population Data by Gender/Age:[11]

  • 31.37 Average Age Male/Female
  • 50.22% Male
    • 30.03 Est. Average Age
  • 49.78% Female
    • 31.82 Est. Average Age
  • 37.14% Population Under 21
  • 33.25% Population Under 18
  • 70.01% Population Over 16
  • 66.76% Population Over 18
  • 62.86% Population Over 21
  • 5.30% Population Over 65

2009 Estimated Population Age 15+ by Marital Status:[11]

  • 20.87% Never Married
  • 66.71% Married, Spouse Present
  • 2.23% Married, Spouse absent
  • 2.11% Widowed
  • 8.07% Divorced

2009 Estimated Population Age 25+ Educational Attainment:[11]

  • 92.33% High School/GED or Higher
  • 37.5% Bachelor's Degree or Higher
  • 10.46% Master's Degree or Higher

2009 Estimated Households by Household Income:[11]

  • $109,213 Average Household Income
  • $89,077 Median Household Income
  • $35,559 Per Capita Income
  • 2.28% of Families are Below the Poverty Level

Religion

Various religious denominations are represented in Gilbert, including 17.26% claiming to be Roman Catholic, 11.12% Protestant and 12.6% Mormon.[citation needed] The town has been known for its high Mormon population, a fact evidenced by the LDS church's recent announcement to construct a temple in Gilbert.[12][13]

STATISTICS for Gilbert (based on Maricopa County data) Percentage of population affiliated with a religious congregations: 39.73% Adherents: Catholic Church (43%), Southern Baptist Convention (6%), Other (38%),LDS (Mormon) Church (13%) RELIGION Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregations Name: Catholic Church (43.4%),LDS (Mormon) Church (12.6%), Southern Baptist Convention (6.3%), Jewish (4.9%), Assemblies of God (4.7%) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (4.2%), United Methodist Church (2.7%), Charismatic Churches Independent (2.1%), Non-Charismatic Churches Independent(1.9%), Other (17.2%) Source: Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Tables represent county-level data. Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Gilbert-Arizona.html#ixzz2sbzxk4GT

Crime

Gilbert is rated as a town of relatively low crime. According to FBI records, Gilbert was the largest town in the United States with zero murders in 2005.[14]

Economy

Largest employers

According to the Town's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[15] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Gilbert Public Schools 4,173
2 Town of Gilbert 1,402
3 Banner Health 1,213
4 Fry's Food and Drug 817
5 Mercy Gilbert Medical Center 762
6 Walmart 694
7 Go Daddy 600
8 Target 455
9 Costco 418
10 Orbital 400

Arts and culture

Historic properties

There are various properties in the town of Gilbert which are considered historical and have been included either in the National Register of Historic Places[16] or listed as such in the Gilbert Historic District. The following are images of some of these properties with a short description of the same.

Historic Gilbert, Arizona
(NRHP = National Register of Historic Places)
(GHD = Gilbert Historic District)
  • Gilbert Elementary School was built in 1913. It is located at 10 S. Gilbert Rd. and now houses the Gilbert Historical Museum. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
    Gilbert Elementary School was built in 1913. It is located at 10 S. Gilbert Rd. and now houses the Gilbert Historical Museum. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Gilbert High School was built in 1920. It now houses the Gilbert Public School District Office. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    Gilbert High School was built in 1920. It now houses the Gilbert Public School District Office. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The Gilbert Water Tower was built in 1925. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    The Gilbert Water Tower was built in 1925. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • Gilbert’s first jail house was built in 1918 and later used as a pump house. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    Gilbert’s first jail house was built in 1918 and later used as a pump house. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The Tone Building was built in 1929 and now houses Joe's Real BBQ Restaurant. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    The Tone Building was built in 1929 and now houses Joe's Real BBQ Restaurant. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • Liberty Market was built in 1936. Liberty Market was established by the Dong family. The neon sign which is still on display was designed by Mae Ong, the wife of Ben Ong, who purchased the market in 1943. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    Liberty Market was built in 1936. Liberty Market was established by the Dong family. The neon sign which is still on display was designed by Mae Ong, the wife of Ben Ong, who purchased the market in 1943. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The Creed building was built in 1918. It now houses the Farmhouse Restaurant. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    The Creed building was built in 1918. It now houses the Farmhouse Restaurant. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The Attaway Phelps-Blakely Building was built in 1910. It now houses the Norwood Furniture store. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    The Attaway Phelps-Blakely Building was built in 1910. It now houses the Norwood Furniture store. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The Bank of Gilbert was built in 1917. It now houses an insurance company. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    The Bank of Gilbert was built in 1917. It now houses an insurance company. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • Clare’s Metal Shop was built in 1918. It now houses a Coffee shop. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    Clare’s Metal Shop was built in 1918. It now houses a Coffee shop. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • Clement's Garage was built in 1934. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
    Clement's Garage was built in 1934. The structure is listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
  • The American Legion Post 39 was built in 1934.
    The American Legion Post 39 was built in 1934.

Music and dance

These performers have been associated with Gilbert:

Government

The town is part of the fifth congressional district of Arizona, which is represented by Republican Matt Salmon.[17] The mayor of Gilbert is John Lewis.

Education

Most of Gilbert is zoned to schools in the Gilbert Public Schools, while other portions are zoned to districts including the Chandler Unified School District, Mesa Public Schools, and the Higley Unified School District. Also in Gilbert are charter schools such as Edu-Prize (the first charter school in Arizona). The town is also home to Gilbert Christian Schools, a chain of private schools.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Main article: Metropolitan Phoenix Freeways

Gilbert is served by two area freeway—the Santan Freeway portion of Loop 202 and US-60. Several major arterials also serve the area, including Williams Field Road, Chandler Boulevard, and Gilbert Road. The town enjoys relative closeness to Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, which is located in east Mesa; and is a twenty-five minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Recently, a park-and-ride facility was constructed in downtown Gilbert for bus service and future commuter rail service. Although the facility borders the Union Pacific (formerly Southern Pacific) tracks and has provisions for commuter rail service, there is currently no such service. However, buses operate to downtown Phoenix from here, and future commuter rail service to Gilbert will require little modification since most of the facilities are already built.[citation needed] Most people get around by cars or bikes.

Notable people

Honors and recognition

Gilbert was recognized in 2010 as the "36th Best Place to Live in the nation",[28] as well as among the nation's "top places to live and learn"[28] by GreatSchools.org. Washington, DC-based CQ Press rated Gilbert the "safest municipality in Arizona, and 24th safest in the nation." [29] Among these great honors, Gilbert was named by Forbes in 2008 as the 9th most boring city in the United States.[30] In their annual report released November 2009 using FBI statistics. Gilbert's Cosmo Dog Park has twice made Dog Fancy magazine's list of top dog parks in the nation since opening in 2006, including being named Dog Park of the Year in 2007.[31] The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is recognized by the National Audubon Society as being an "Important Bird Area".[32] Gilbert has been named as a "bicycle-"[33] and "tree-friendly"[34] community and receives "high satisfaction rates" from citizens in town surveys.

Sister cities

Gilbert has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

References

  1. ^ "Table 3. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Arizona: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". 2012 Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. September 27, 2013. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  2. ^ Gilbert Profile
  3. ^ "Gilbert Arizona Community's roots date to 1920". Church News. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  4. ^ "Gilbert History". Ci.gilbert.az.us. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  5. ^ "Average Weather for Gilbert, AZ - Temperature and Precipitation". Weather.com. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  6. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  7. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  8. ^ "Maricopa Association of Governments Population & Housing Numbers for Greater Phoenix" (PDF). Mag.maricopa.gov. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  9. ^ "CNN Money Magazine 2008". Money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  10. ^ "FBI Crime Statistics". Fbi.gov. 2010-03-17. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Nielsen Claritas[dead link]
  12. ^ "LDS Church announces two new temples in Arizona - Salt Lake Tribune". Sltrib.com. 2008-04-27. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  13. ^ Gilbert Arizona Temple, ldschurchtemples.com. Last accessed on 2008-04-27.
  14. ^ Offenses Known to Law Enforcement, by State, By City, 2005 (Microsoft Excel file format document) - Federal Bureau of Investigation
  15. ^ "Town of Gilbert money --~~~~" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  16. ^ National Register of Historic Places
  17. ^ "US Congressman Matt Salmon". Salmon.house.gov. Retrieved 2013-01-29.
  18. ^ "Linkin Park vocalist buys Gilbert home". AZCentral.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  19. ^ [1][dead link]
  20. ^ "NFL Players". Nfl.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  21. ^ "NFL Players". Nfl.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  22. ^ "Los Angeles Galaxy: Roster: Player Bio". La.galaxy.mlsnet.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  23. ^ "Gilbert woman vies for Miss USA". Azcentral.com. 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  24. ^ "Astronaut Bio: Carlos I. Noriega (1/2008)". Jsc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  25. ^ "Phil Ortega Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  26. ^ "The Valley's priciest home sales". AZCentral.com. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  27. ^ "April Warnecke 3TV Bio". AZFamily.com. Retrieved 2013-07-01.
  28. ^ a b "Best Places to Live 2010". CNN.
  29. ^ "CQ Press: City Crime Rankings 2010" (PDF). Os.cqpress.com. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  30. ^ name="In Pictures; America's 10 Most Boring Cities" url=http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/10/media-newspapers-news-biz-media-cx_jz_1210boringcities_slide_12.html?thisSpeed=15000
  31. ^ Kochan, Maureen. "America's Best Dog Parks 2007". Dogchannel.com. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  32. ^ "National Audubon Society". Audubon. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  33. ^ "League of American Bicyclists * Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign". Bikeleague.org. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  34. ^ "Tree Cities Around the Nation—Tree City USA at". Arborday.org. Retrieved 2012-09-04.

Media related to Gilbert, Arizona at Wikimedia Commons

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