Maricopa County is a county located in the central part of the state of Arizona, in the United States of America. It is the largest county in Arizona and the fourth most populous county in the United States. Maricopa County is home to several major cities, including Phoenix, the state capital, and Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Glendale.
County Size and Population
Maricopa County covers an area of approximately 9,224 square miles or 23,891 square kilometers. As of the 2020 United States Census, the county’s population was estimated to be 4,803,251 people, making it the most populous county in Arizona and the fourth most populous county in the United States.
County Economy
The Maricopa County economy is diverse, with several major industries contributing to its economic growth. The largest industries in the county include healthcare, education, government, retail, and hospitality. The county’s gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to be $270 billion in 2019.
Median Household Income and Poverty Rate
The median household income in Maricopa County was $71,142 in 2020. The poverty rate in the county was 11.5% in 2020, slightly lower than the national average.
Largest Employers
Maricopa County is home to several large employers, including Intel, Wells Fargo, Banner Health, Walmart, and Amazon.
Population Demographics
Maricopa County has a diverse population with different ethnicities. According to the 2020 United States Census, the county’s racial makeup was:
- White: 70.3%
- Hispanic or Latino: 32.8%
- Black or African American: 6.5%
- Asian: 4.4%
- Native American: 2.9%
- Other races: 13.1%
The county’s population is relatively young, with a median age of 37 years. The gender distribution in the county is nearly equal, with females making up 50.3% of the population and males making up 49.7%.
Largest Cities
Maricopa County has several large cities, with Phoenix being the most populous city in the county and the state capital. Other major cities in the county include Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
Famous Attractions and Educational Institutions
Maricopa County is home to several famous attractions, including the Grand Canyon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular attractions in the county include the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Heard Museum. Maricopa County is also home to several colleges, universities, and trade schools, including Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
