City of Mesa
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Where arts, education, and innovation intersect and businesses thrive. Mesa Works.
Top Reasons to Do Business Here
A dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with unbeatable connectivity.
Easy Access | On light rail, near 3 major freeways
2.5M Annual Visitors | Daily foot traffic from events & offices
Higher Ed Hub | Home to ASU @ Mesa City Center, Benedictine University, and MCC
Downtown Workforce | 15,750+ people work here each weekday
Smart Infrastructure | High-speed fiber from 4 providers
Startup Incentives | Utility discounts & tax incentives for qualifying businesses
| Labor Market (age 18+) |
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| 20-minute commute |
30-minute commute |
|
| 2025 | 590,669 | 1,151,148 |
| 2030 | 815,281 | 1,898,248 |
| Source: ESRI Community Analyst 2025; Center point - 1 W. Main St. | ||
| Educational Attainment (highest level completed) |
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| 20-minute commute | 30-minute commute | |
| High School Graduate |
17.7% | 16.1% |
| Some College |
21.8% | 20.0% |
| Associates Degree or Higher |
49.4% | 51.5% |
| Source: ESRI Community Analyst 2025; Center point - 1 W. Main St. | ||
| Trade Area (population by age, median household income) |
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| |
3-mile radius |
5-mile radius |
| Total |
171,589 | 350,918 |
| 14 and under |
21.8% | 19.7% |
| 15-24 | 16.0% | 15.6% |
| 25-44 | 30.9% | 30.3% |
| 45-64 | 20.8% | 21.7% |
| 65+ | 10.5% | 12.7% |
| Median Age |
33.0 | 34.6 |
| Median HH Income |
$62,985 | $75,281 |
| Source: ESRI Community Analyst 2025; Center point - 1 W. Main St. | ||
Arts & Culture in the Heart of the City
Downtown Mesa is alive with energy and events that draw crowds year-round.
Featured Annual Events:
- Mesa Music Festival
- Arizona Celebration of Freedom
- Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts
- 2nd Friday Night Out
- Sculptures in the Street
- Holiday Parades & Seasonal Markets
Anchored by Arts & Museums:
- Mesa Arts Center (400K annual patrons)
- i.d.e.a. Museum
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
- Mesa Amphitheatre
The city’s creative spirit is a magnet for entrepreneurs, families, and visitors alike.
Innovation & Education at ASU @ Mesa City Center
A hub for design, tech, and media arts, the ASU MIX Center is a 118,000-square-foot state-of-the-art academic facility dedicated to:
- Gaming, XR, AR/VR Development
- Film & Media Production
- Experiential Design & Creative Tech
- Entrepreneurial Development & Startup Incubation
This one-of-a-kind partnership between Mesa and ASU builds a talent pipeline and cross-industry innovation that fuels the regional economy.
Learn More About the MIX Center
Operational Benefits
Downtown Utility Rate Discount
25% reduction in electric and water bills for the first 3 years
(Eligible for businesses in the CBD + Town Center that apply within first year of operation.)
GPLET Tax Incentive
Reduce your property tax obligation through a state-enabled redevelopment incentive
(8-year abatement available in designated zones.)
City-Operated Utilities
Streamlined service across water, sewer, gas, electric, and solid waste
Grow in Downtown Mesa
Ready to build your future in the heart of Mesa?
Let’s talk about operational benefits, space, and how we can support your growth.
09102025