Maricopa County

The Community

POPULATION & ECONOMY

Maricopa County is one of the largest, most scenic and fastest-growing counties in the country. More than 4 million people call Maricopa County home making it the fourth most populous county in the nation. This is the capital of Arizona with more than 60 percent of the state’s population making it Arizona’s political and economic center. The county includes 24 cities and towns including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe and Peoria. There are also five Indian reservations and five of the nation’s fastest growing communities: Queen Creek, Buckeye, Surprise, Goodyear and Avondale. The County is also home to the 2nd largest population of veterans in the U.S. and supports Luke Air Force Base, the largest Fighter Wing in the world (56th Fighter Wing). Growth industries include tech and medical research while manufacturing and agriculture continue to play an important role in our community. Maricopa County’s quality of life, cost of living, skilled workforce, good universities and favorable business climate contribute to the vibrancy of its economy.

The Organization

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Maricopa County government is a subdivision of Arizona State government with mandated functions defined by both the Arizona State Constitution and Arizona Revised Statutes. The County employs

nearly 13,000 full-time County and District employees who serve the public in such areas as public health, flood control, law enforcement, libraries, parks and recreation, justice courts, transportation, animal care and control, economic and community development and elections.