Prescott’s Population Growth Brings Opportunities and Challenges
As Prescott continues to see a rise in population since 2020, the city is experiencing various challenges related to its growth. Known for its pleasant climate, rich history, and abundant outdoor activities, Prescott has become an attractive place for new residents, particularly in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. City Manager Dallin Kimball points out that this trend has created both opportunities and difficulties for the community.
“Especially in these post-COVID years,” Prescott has seen an influx of residents, making it a highly desirable location for living, not just visiting, according to Kimball.
However, this surge in population has led to some long-term residents feeling the financial strain. Kimball notes that “folks are finding themselves maybe priced out of areas that they’ve lived in in the past,” as housing affordability becomes a pressing issue. In response, the city is undertaking efforts to increase the availability of housing by constructing more apartments, condos, and townhomes.
The growing population has also put pressure on healthcare services. With a shortage of local providers, residents often need to travel to Phoenix or Flagstaff for medical care. Kimball mentions, “And so folks find themselves having to travel to Phoenix or sometimes Flagstaff to get the care that they need. And obviously, as you get older, that’s less and less ideal,” highlighting the challenge for the city’s aging population, 40% of whom are 65 and older.
To accommodate the increasing needs of its residents, Prescott is also developing new infrastructure, including police and fire stations, as well as expanding retail options. Despite these developments, the city faces the complexity of balancing the interests of long-time residents with those of newcomers.
“There is a way of doing things in Prescott. And now that the people who are kind of the ambassadors of that way are outnumbered by people who are coming from other places,” Kimball observes, noting the cultural and political diversity that new residents bring to the community.
