Best for job growth

Towns include:  Sierra Vista
Job growth (2000-2007): 37.37%

Long after the OK Corral shootouts in Tombstone, Cochise County has found law, order and lots of jobs that don't require a tin star. Its farming, ranching and mining communities support local businesses which are growing along with an influx of big-box retailers like Wal-Mart and Lowe's.

The leisure and hospitality industry is also seeing a boost, thanks in part to a new Holiday Inn and Candlewood Inn as more vacationers and retirees are drawn to the county for its temperate climate and a relatively low cost of living. --A.C.

NEXT: Placer County, CA