With an outstanding quality of life, affordability and steady growth in job opportunities, more than 1.6 million people call Phoenix home. Phoenix is the vibrant center of one of the fastest growing job markets and economies in the United States. As the fifth largest city in the country, Phoenix is emerging in the new economy with strengths in high technology, manufacturing, bioscience research and advanced business services. As a top market for skilled and available workforce, companies are growing in Phoenix because it’s not only a thriving business environment, but a great place to live.
As Arizona’s capital, Phoenix is the center for commercial, cultural, entertainment and governmental activities in the state. Fourteen vibrant and distinct employment corridors span the city’s 516-square mile planning area. The business sectors are supported by a new, expanding infrastructure and transportation system. Downtown Phoenix boasts the highest concentration of employment in Arizona, offering impressive urban amenities including shopping, arts and entertainment. Arizona State University (Downtown Campus), Phoenix Convention Center, Valley Metro Light Rail and the Phoenix Biomedical Core serve as major activity centers. High tech manufacturing companies such as Honeywell, W.L Gore and TSMC have a large presence in Phoenix. Additionally, Phoenix is a key regional hub for finance, insurance and business services. American Express, Bank of America, USAA, Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab all have operations with more than 3,000 employees in Phoenix. The city is becoming widely recognized for its entrepreneurial ecosystem. The growth and success of Phoenix’s own startups attract tech firms that are scaling out of cost-prohibitive markets. Corporations with headquarters in Phoenix include Freeport McMoran, Avnet, Knight-Swift Transportation, Petsmart and ON Semiconductor.
Phoenix provides unique year-round experiences thanks to a rich history, diverse culture, shopping destinations, resorts, art communities and booming live music scene. It is home to the largest art walk in the nation, drawing more than 15,000 people. From award-winning restaurants to exciting sports events and concerts, this is the epicenter of exciting things to do in Arizona. Specific highlights include the Roosevelt Row Arts District, Phoenix Art Museum, Chase Field (MLB), Footprint Center Arena (NBA/WNBA), Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona Science Center and the Herberger and Orpheum Theaters.
Known as America’s Friendliest Airport™, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the busiest in the U.S. serving nearly 45 million passengers each year. More than 41,000 acres of Phoenix desert, mountain parks and preserves offer everything from busy, arduous summit climbs to secluded, meandering valley walks. 41 trailheads provide access to more than 200 miles of hiking and biking activities. Additionally, Camelback Mountain is regularly ranked as one of the nation's top hiking destinations for avid hikers. The city operates 182 parks, 32 community and recreation centers, eight golf courses and 29 pools. South Mountain is the world’s largest municipal park with horseback riding, hiking and gorgeous views of the Phoenix.
| Founded | 1867 | Incorporated | 1881 |
| Elevation | 1,117 ft. | Location | Maricopa County |
| Phoenix | miles | San Diego | 355 miles |
| Tucson | 111 miles | Los Angeles | 372 miles |
| Las Vegas | 287 miles |
| 2000 | 2010 | 2023 (est.) | |
| Phoenix | 1,321,045 | 1,449,242 | 1,630,195 |
| Maricopa County | 3,072,149 | 3,824,058 | 4,507,419 |
| State of Arizona | 5,130,632 | 6,401,569 | 7,285,370 |
Office of Economic Opportunity
Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
| Phoenix | 2.30% |
| Maricopa County | 0.70% |
| State | 5.60% |
Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation
| 2000 | 2010 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 684,953 | 734,054 | 863,731 |
| Unemployed | 26,565 | 77,421 | 41,990 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% | 10.5% | 4.9% |
Office of Economic Opportunity
| Count | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 182,727 | 17.1% |
| High school or equivalent, no college | 250,418 | 23.4% |
| Some college or Associate degree | 322,145 | 30.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree | 314,793 | 29.4% |
American Community Survey
| Count | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Education, health care & social assistance | 160,035 | 19.5% |
| Professional, scientific, & administrative services | 120,244 | 14.6% |
| Retail trade | 95,163 | 11.6% |
| Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services | 85,230 | 10.4% |
| Finance, insurance & real estate | 80,502 | 9.8% |
| Construction | 68,194 | 8.3% |
| Manufacturing | 57,150 | 6.9% |
| Transportation, warehousing, & utilities | 46,935 | 5.7% |
| Other services, except public administration | 40,137 | 4.9% |
| Public administration | 29,176 | 3.5% |
| Wholesale trade | 21,101 | 2.6% |
| Information | 15,726 | 1.9% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining | 3,124 | 0.4% |
American Community Survey
This profile was prepared by the Arizona Commerce Authority in cooperation with local sources. For further information, please contact: