Maricopa County, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maricopa County
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County of Maricopa | |||
The Maricopa County Courthouse and Old Phoenix City Hall, also known as the County-City Administration Building, in 2013
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Location within the U.S. state of Arizona
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Arizona's location within the U.S. |
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Country | United States | ||
State | Arizona | ||
Founded | February 14, 1871 | ||
Named for | Maricopa people | ||
Seat | Phoenix | ||
Largest city | Phoenix | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 9,224 sq mi (23,890 km2) | ||
• Land | 9,200 sq mi (24,000 km2) | ||
• Water | 24 sq mi (60 km2) 0.3% | ||
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 4,420,568 | ||
• Density | 479.246/sq mi (185.038/km2) | ||
Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain) | ||
Congressional districts | 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th |
Maricopa County is in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 4,420,568, making it the state's most populous county, and the fourth-most populous in the United States. It contains about 62% of Arizona's population, making Arizona one of the most centralized states in the nation. The county seat is Phoenix, the state capital and fifth-most populous city in the United States.
Maricopa County is the central county of the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Office of Management and Budget renamed the metropolitan area in September 2018. Previously, it was the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale metropolitan area, and in 2000, that was changed to Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale.
Maricopa County was named after the Maricopa Native Americans. Five Native American Reservations are located in the county. The largest are the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (east of Scottsdale) and the Gila River Indian Community (south of Chandler).
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 9,224 square miles (23,890 km2), of which 9,200 square miles (24,000 km2) is land and 24 square miles (62 km2) (0.3%) is water. Maricopa County is also one of the largest counties in the United States by area having a land area greater than that of seven states. It is by far Arizona's most populous county, encompassing well over half of the state's residents. It is also the largest county in the United States to contain a capital city.
Adjacent counties
- La Paz County - west
- Yuma County - west
- Pima County - south
- Pinal County - southeast
- Gila County - east
- Yavapai County - north
National protected areas
- Sonoran Desert National Monument (part)
- Tonto National Forest (part)
Demographics
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
1880 | 5,689 | — | |
1890 | 10,986 | 93.1% | |
1900 | 20,457 | 86.2% | |
1910 | 34,488 | 68.6% | |
1920 | 89,576 | 159.7% | |
1930 | 150,970 | 68.5% | |
1940 | 186,193 | 23.3% | |
1950 | 331,770 | 78.2% | |
1960 | 663,510 | 100.0% | |
1970 | 971,228 | 46.4% | |
1980 | 1,509,175 | 55.4% | |
1990 | 2,122,101 | 40.6% | |
2000 | 3,072,149 | 44.8% | |
2010 | 3,817,117 | 24.2% | |
2020 | 4,420,568 | 15.8% | |
U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2018 |
Racial and ethnic composition since 1960
Racial composition | 2020 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 | 1970 | 1960 |
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White | 59.8% | 73.0% | 77.3% | 84.7% | 86.6% | 94.8% | 94.5% |
—Non-Hispanic | 53.3% | 58.7% | 66.2% | 77.1% | 81.1% | - | - |
Black or African American | 5.9% | 5.0% | 3.7% | 3.4% | 3.1% | 3.3% | 3.7% |
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 30.6% | 29.6% | 24.8% | 16.2% | 13.1% | 14.5% | - |
Asian | 4.6% | 3.5% | 2.1% | 1.7% | - | - | 0.3% |
Native American | 2.3% | 2.1% | 1.8% | 1.7% | - | - | 1.2% |
Pacific Islander | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | - | - | - | - |
Mixed Race | 13.6% | 2.4% | 2.9% | - | - | - | - |
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, 3,817,117 people, 1,411,583 households, and 932,814 families were living in the county. The population density was 414.9/sq mi (160.2/km2). The 1,639,279 housing units averaged 178.2/sq mi (68.8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 73.0% white (58.7% non-Hispanic white), 5.0% African American, 3.5% Asian, 2.1% American Indian, 0.2% Pacific islander, 12.8% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 29.6% of the population. The largest ancestry groups were:
Of the 1,411,583 households, 35.1% had children under 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.9% were not families, and 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.25. The median age was 34.6 years.
The median income for a household in the county was $55,054 and the median income for a family was $65,438. Males had a median income of $45,799 versus $37,601 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,816. About 10.0% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
According to data provided by the United States Census Bureau in October 2015 and collected from 2009 to 2013, 73.72% of the population aged five years and over spoke only English at home, while 20.32% spoke Spanish, 0.56% spoke Chinese, 0.47% Vietnamese, 0.41% Tagalog, 0.37% Arabic, 0.36% German, 0.30% French, 0.25% Navajo, 0.21% Korean, 0.20% Hindi, 0.15% Italian, 0.14% Persian, 0.13% Russian, 0.13% Serbo-Croatian, 0.12% Telugu, 0.12% Polish, 0.11% Syriac, 0.11% Japanese, 0.11% spoke Romanian, and 0.10% spoke other Native North American languages at home.
Religion
In 2010 statistics, the largest religious group in Maricopa County was the Diocese of Phoenix, with 519,950 Catholics worshipping at 99 parishes, followed by 242,732 LDS Mormons with 503 congregations, 213,640 non-denominational adherents with 309 congregations, 93,252 AG Pentecostals with 120 congregations, 73,207 SBC Baptists with 149 congregations, 35,804 Christian churches and churches of Christ Christians with 29 congregations, 30,014 ELCA Lutherans with 47 congregations, 28,634 UMC Methodists with 55 congregations, 18,408 LCMS Lutherans with 34 congregations, and 15,001 PC-USA Presbyterians with 42 congregations. Altogether, 39.1% of the population was claimed as members by religious congregations, although members of historically African-American denominations were underrepresented due to incomplete information. In 2014, the county had 1,177 religious organizations, the fifth most out of all US counties.
Transportation
- Further information: Metropolitan Phoenix Freeways
Major highways
- Interstate 8
- Interstate 10
- Interstate 17
- U.S. Route 60
- Historic U.S. Route 80
- U.S. Route 93
- Loop 101
- Loop 202
- Loop 303
- State Route 51
- State Route 71
- State Route 74
- State Route 85
- State Route 87
- State Route 143
- State Route 347
Air
The major primary commercial airport of the county is Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Other airports located in the county include:
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa (AZA)
- Scottsdale Municipal Airport in Scottsdale (SCF)
- Deer Valley Airport in Deer Valley Village in Phoenix (DVT)
- Chandler Municipal Airport in Chandler (CHD)
- Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Goodyear (GYR)
- Glendale Municipal Airport in Glendale (GEU)
- Buckeye Municipal Airport in Buckeye (BXK)
- Falcon Field in Mesa (MSC)
- Gila Bend Municipal Airport in Gila Bend (E63)
- Wickenburg Municipal Airport in Wickenburg (E25)
Rail
In terms of freight rail, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad serve the county.
In terms of passenger rail, greater Phoenix is served by a light rail system. The county has no other passenger rail transport as Amtrak's Sunset Limited, which served Phoenix until June 2, 1996, has its closest stop in Maricopa in neighboring Pinal County. The train connects Maricopa to Tucson, Los Angeles, and New Orleans three times a week. However it does not stop in Phoenix itself.
Communities
Cities
Towns
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Fountain Hills
- Gila Bend
- Gilbert
- Guadalupe
- Paradise Valley
- Queen Creek (partly in Pinal County)
- Wickenburg (partly in Yavapai County)
- Youngtown
Census-designated places
Unincorporated communities
Indian reservation
- Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
- Gila River Indian Community
- Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community
- Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation
County population ranking
The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Maricopa County.
† county seat
Rank | City/Town/etc. | Population (2010 Census) | Municipal type | Incorporated |
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1 | Phoenix † | 1,445,632 | City | 1881 |
2 | Mesa | 439,041 | City | 1878 (founded) |
3 | Chandler | 236,123 | City | 1920 |
4 | Glendale | 226,721 | City | 1910 |
5 | Scottsdale | 217,385 | City | 1951 |
6 | Gilbert | 208,453 | Town | 1920 |
7 | Tempe | 161,719 | City | 1894 |
8 | Peoria (partially in Yavapai County) | 154,065 | City | 1954 |
9 | Surprise | 117,517 | City | 1960 |
10 | Avondale | 76,238 | City | 1946 |
11 | Goodyear | 65,275 | City | 1946 |
12 | Buckeye | 50,876 | City | 1929 |
13 | Sun City | 37,499 | CDP | |
14 | El Mirage | 31,797 | City | 1951 |
15 | Queen Creek (partially in Pinal County) | 26,361 | Town | 1990 |
16 | Sun City West | 24,535 | CDP | |
17 | Fountain Hills | 22,489 | Town | 1989 |
18 | Anthem | 21,700 | CDP | |
19 | New River | 14,952 | CDP | |
20 | Sun Lakes | 13,975 | CDP | |
21 | Paradise Valley | 12,820 | Town | 1961 |
22 | Tolleson | 6,545 | City | 1929 |
23 | Wickenburg | 6,363 | Town | 1909 |
24 | Youngtown | 6,156 | Town | 1960 |
25 | Guadalupe | 5,523 | Town | 1975 |
26 | Litchfield Park | 5,476 | City | 1987 |
27 | Cave Creek | 5,015 | Town | 1986 |
28 | Citrus Park | 4,028 | CDP | |
29 | Carefree | 3,363 | Town | 1984 |
30 | Gila Bend | 1,922 | Town | 1962 |
31 | Rio Verde | 1,811 | CDP | |
32 | Komatke | 821 | CDP | |
33 | Aguila | 798 | CDP | |
34 | Wittmann | 763 | CDP | |
35 | Maricopa Colony | 709 | CDP | |
36 | Gila Crossing | 621 | CDP | |
37 | St. Johns | 476 | CDP | |
38 | Morristown | 227 | CDP | |
39 | Arlington | 194 | CDP | |
40 | Theba | 158 | CDP | |
41 | Kaka | 141 | CDP | |
42 | Wintersburg | 136 | CDP | |
43 | Tonopah | 60 | CDP |
Economy
In 2019, the largest employers in Maricopa County were:
# | Employer | # of employees |
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1 | Banner Health | 27,650 |
2 | State of Arizona | 23,950 |
3 | Walmart | 16,870 |
4 | Frys Food Stores | 15,170 |
5 | Wells Fargo | 13,790 |
6 | Maricopa County | 13,350 |
7 | City of Phoenix | 12,190 |
8 | Intel Corporation | 11,410 |
9 | Arizona State University | 10,950 |
10 | HonorHealth | 9,430 |
11 | JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association | 9,310 |
12 | Bank of America | 9,180 |
13 | Dignity Health | 9,100 |
14 | Amazon | 9,050 |
15 | Mesa Unified School District 4 | 8,500 |
16 | Honeywell | 8,450 |
17 | United States Department of the Air Force | 7,720 |
18 | Home Depot | 7,420 |
19 | State Farm Insurance | 7,420 |
20 | United States Postal Service | 7,260 |
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2019 the employment of Maricopa County in the following sectors was:
Sector | Number of jobs | Percent | National percent |
---|---|---|---|
Health care and social assistance | 312,385 | 11.2% | 11.3% |
Retail trade | 271,802 | 9.8% | 9.4% |
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 249,786 | 9.0% | 6.2% |
Finance and insurance | 226,934 | 8.2% | 5.4% |
Accommodation and food services | 204,917 | 7.4% | 7.5% |
Professional, scientific, and technical services | 200,508 | 7.2% | 7.2% |
Construction | 172,119 | 6.2% | 5.5% |
Real estate and rental and leasing | 169,363 | 6.1% | 4.8% |
Local government | 152,939 | 5.5% | 7.1% |
Other services (except government) | 140,788 | 5.1% | 5.8% |
Manufacturing | 137,444 | 4.9% | 6.7% |
Transportation and warehousing | 134,151 | 4.8% | 4.5% |
Wholesale trade | 91,114 | 3.3% | 3.2% |
Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 64,117 | 2.3% | 2.4% |
Educational services | 63,445 | 2.3% | 2.4% |
State government | 49,051 | 1.8% | 2.7% |
Information | 48,195 | 1.7% | 1.7% |
Management of companies and enterprises | 35,917 | 1.7% | 1.4% |
Federal civilian | 21,366 | 0.8% | 1.4% |
Military | 14,632 | 0.5% | 1.0% |
Utilities | 8,229 | 0.3% | 0.3% |
Farming | 6,237 | 0.2% | 1.3% |
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 5,356 | 0.2% | 0.6% |
Forestry, fishing, and related activities | 2,994 | 0.1% | 0.5% |
Total | 2,783,679 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Education
- Maricopa County Library District operates the county libraries in Maricopa County.
- The Maricopa County School Superintendent is charged with the general conduct and supervision of the public school system in Maricopa County. The Superintendent is one of six county-wide elected officials, elected by the voters of Maricopa County every four years. Since the inception of the office, there have been thirteen Maricopa County School Superintendents. The incumbent, Steve Watson, took office January 1, 2017.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Maricopa para niños