Featured Indicators Data

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports annual data on the motor fuels tax and a variety of transportation fees, which are deposited into the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF). These funds are then distributed to cities, towns, counties, and the State Highway Fund, providing a major source of revenue for highway construction, improvements, and other expenses. According to the 2012 HURF report, even after two years of year-over-year growth, the HURF revenues remain at FY 2004 revenue levels while the annualized growth rate over the last ten fiscal years has fallen to 1.0 percent. Notably, Arizona has a low gasoline tax of $0.18 per gallon and the last rate increase was $0.01 in FY 1991. According to the Tax Foundation, Arizona has the 9th lowest state gasoline tax rate.

According to the latest Kids Count Data Book, only 4 states have worse conditions for children and families than Arizona. The overall ranking includes measures of economic well-being, education, health, and community. Among these categories, Arizona posted its highest score for health, ranking 36^th best. High levels of child poverty and subpar educational outcomes contributed to Arizona’s low overall ranking. Arizona has the 3rd highest percentage of children affected by foreclosure since 2007. 43% of Arizona children live in households with a high housing cost burden. And, Arizona has the second highest rate of children ages 3 to 4 who are not enrolled in preschool.