The Cost-of-Doing-Business Index indicates each area's comparative advantages or disadvantages in attracting and retaining businesses. Those area with a low cost of doing business have, on average, greater job growth than those with high costs.

The Index measures wage costs*, taxes*, electricity costs* and real estate costs for industrial and office space*.  States and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's) are measured on  individual categories, and those weighted scores are compiled to make the overall index.

An index score of 100 means that the state or MSA is equal to the U.S. average in that particular category. If the business cost index is 120, it means that the cost of doing business is 20% above than the national average. Similarly, if a business cost index is 80, it means that the cost of doing business is 20% less than the national average.

COST OF DOING BUSINESS INDEX 2009
State	Cost of Doing Business	Wage Cost Index	Tax Burden Index	Electricity Cost Index	Industrial Rent Cost Index	Office Rent Cost Index
Arizona	91.6	94.2	92.8	83.8	75.6	115.3
California	122.9	114.8	120.6	134.7	141.4	141.4
Nevada	104.2	96.4	102.2	115.9	114.2	134.5
New Mexico	96.6	82.5	135.5	92.4	102.1	83.5
Utah	90.1	83.9	113.1	66.1	104.7	101.7
Source:  www.cnbc.com

While many factors in the cost of doing business are incomparable between urban and rural areas, some are more comparable. Business taxes are generally comparable. State level taxes are the same throughout and local taxes are relatively similar. For the Yuma, Arizona Metropolitan area, business taxes were about 2% lower when Yuma was compared to seven other metropolitan areas.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating a region for business investment. The business friendly environment, available labor pool and high quality of life make our region a desirable location.  Companies such as ALSCO, Alside, General Motors, Johnson Controls (Fortune 500), Northwestern Industries, Shaw Industries (Fortune 500) and Superlite Block have either built new facilities or expanded their operations due to the abundant labor force, strong support services and strategic location.

2009 Overall Ranking for States
Overall Ranking	State	Cost of Business	Workforce	Business Friendliness	Cost of Living
18	Arizona	23	4	7	34
32	California	49	23	49	49
47	Nevada	36	18	20	36
43	New Mexico	25	33	45	29
5	Utah	7	9	7	21
Source:  www.cnbc.com

The abundant labor force in Yuma and strong support services make it very attractive to new and expanding businesses. The visionary leadership has developed policies and procedures to create a business-friendly attitude in Yuma County.  Both the Cities and County act as partners to ensure your business grows and matures.  With a population that is projected to reach over 350,000 by 2020, Yuma will continue to produce a strong workforce that excels in a multitude of industries. 

Once known solely as an agricultural economy; manufacturing, distribution, food technology and renewable fuels have emerged as industries that will continue to fuel Yuma’s economic engine. 

*Charts are examples from Manufacturing and Logistics costs from MSA’s that are comparable and/or in competition with Yuma.

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Estimated Annual Business Costs for a Logistics Business

Estimated Annual Business Costs for a Manufacturing Business

Average Retail Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customer by End Use Sector

Personal Income Tax Rates

Cost of Living Index and Housing Overview

State Rankings of Gas and Diesal Tax Rates