Though often referenced as part of the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Gilbert, AZ has a distinct identity as its own city. It used to be known as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World," though it lost that nickname as it moved away from its agricultural roots. Gilbert is the largest incorporated town in the U.S. by population, reflecting its shift toward an economically vibrant suburban outlier of Phoenix. It has earned several awards and commendations. CNN Money rated it one of the best cities to live in the U.S., while the FBI ranked it as one of the top 25 safest cities in the country. As the largest town with zero murders in 2005, Gilbert has lived up to that proud distinction. Gilbert's climate tends to run very hot. Average highs in the summer consistently top 100 degrees, and the record high is 122 degrees. Though the temperature in the winter does get much cooler, average lows in the winter rarely drop below 40 degrees. As a desert town, Gilbert also receives a minimal amount of precipitation annually, totaling less than a foot.
Since its incorporation in 1920, Gilbert has seen some rapid population growth. It grew at a steady, moderate pace until 1970, after which it exploded and grew several hundred percent for three consecutive decades. In fact, it was the fastest growing United States municipality from 1990-2003. The 2010 census puts Gilbert's population at 208,453 people, an increase of 90% from the 2000 estimate of 109,697. Though the Gilbert Public School system is the largest employer in the city, Banner Health and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center are the second highest with 2,268 and 1,233 employees, respectively.
Gilbert has several iconic historic landmarks, including the Gilbert Elementary School from the National Register of Historic Places, its iconic Gilbert Water Tower and its first jail house that was later converted to a pump house from the Gilbert Heritage District.
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