Despite its desert climate, Arizona is the fastest growing state in the US, according to the 2006 Census. In terms of land area, Arizona is the sixth largest state in the nation, but only 15% is privately owned. As of 2006, Arizona’s population was close to 6.2 million, with 58% living in cities of 100,000 or more. In 2006, the gross state product of Arizona was $232 billion, making its economy larger than that of Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. The state government is the state’s largest employer, and Wal-Mart is the largest private employer. Arizona’s median household income is the 27th highest in the nation at $46,693.