Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona. With a population of 1,662,607 as of 2024, it is the fifth-most populous city in the United States and the most populous state capital in the country.
Phoenix is the most populous city of the Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as the Valley of the Sun, which is part of the Salt River Valley and Arizona Sun Corridor. The metro area is the 10th-largest by population in the United States with approximately 4.95 million people as of 2020, making it the most populous in the Southwestern United States. Phoenix, the seat of Maricopa County, is the largest city by population and area in Arizona, covering 517.9 square miles (1,341 km2), and is also the 11th-largest city by area in the United States.
History
Phoenix was settled in 1867 as an agricultural community near the confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers and was incorporated as a city in 1881. It became the capital of Arizona Territory in 1889. Its canal system led to a thriving farming community with crops such as alfalfa, cotton, citrus, and hay remaining important parts of the local economy for decades. Cotton, cattle, citrus, climate, and copper were known locally as the “Five C’s,” anchoring Phoenix’s economy. These remained the driving forces of the city until after World War II, when high-tech companies began to move into the valley and air conditioning made Phoenix’s hot summers more bearable.
Geography and Climate
Phoenix is the cultural center of Arizona. It is in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert and is known for its hot desert climate. The region’s gross domestic product reached over $362 billion by 2022. The city averaged a four percent annual population growth rate over a 40-year period from the mid-1960s to the mid-2000s, and was among the nation’s ten most populous cities by 1980. Phoenix is also one of the largest plurality Hispanic cities in the United States, with 42% of its population being Hispanic.
Economy
Phoenix is known for its warm climate, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions. The city offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, modern amenities, and a rich history, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.
Housing in Phoenix is 17% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 1% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 4% pricier in Phoenix than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 6% less.
Greater Phoenix Area
Surrounded by mountain ranges, the Greater Phoenix area encompasses more than 500 square miles of Sonoran Desert and comprises 24 total municipalities, each with distinct characteristics, attractions, and flavors that offer visitors a unique glimpse at the nation’s fifth-largest city.
Language
English is the most commonly spoken language in Phoenix, spoken by over 70% of the population. It is considered the primary language of communication and is used in businesses, schools, and daily conversations.
Weather and Climate
As metropolitan Phoenix continues to expand in size, snowfall reports have become more common in residential areas located in the higher foothill elevations of the north valley. However, in most of the city, an event that produces measurable snow is still quite rare.
Living in Phoenix
As the state’s capital and the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix offers a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities, beautiful sunny weather, and urban communities with numerous amenities.
To live comfortably in Phoenix following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% for mandatory expenses, 30% for savings, and 20% for wants), an income of approximately $106,000 is needed.
Population Growth and Housing
From 2021 to 2022, Maricopa County, which contains much of Greater Phoenix, added 57,000 people, registering the largest population growth in the nation. As the Federal Reserve lifted interest rates to lower inflation, mortgage rates increased sharply, raising the costs of buying homes.
Major Cities in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area
The Phoenix Metropolitan Area comprises several dozen cities, the primary ones being Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Carefree, and Cave Creek.
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