Demographics and Trends in Greater Phoenix

Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the U.S., is the social and political heart of Arizona. The term Greater Phoenix refers to this famous capital city plus 17 other vibrant communities, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale and more. Greater Phoenix boasts a population of 4 million and is among the nation's fastest-growing regions.

Quick facts:

• Between 1990 and 2005, U.S. population increased 19 percent.
• In that same period, population in Greater Phoenix increased 73 percent, nearly four times the national rate.
• By 2030, the population in Greater Phoenix will likely reach 6.3 million.
• Greater Phoenix is young. The average age of a Phoenician is 33.7, making Greater Phoenix the country's third youngest metro with more than 2 million residents.
• Fifty-four percent of residents are between 20 and 59, while another 30 percent are under 18, according to the 2009 census.

Greater Phoenix is diverse

With 110 spoken languages – the third highest of any U.S. region – Greater Phoenix is clearly a diverse environment. Arizona has deep Hispanic and Native American influences, which have led to a wide-range of activities, foods, neighborhoods, events and backgrounds. Nearly a third of people in Maricopa County (home to Greater Phoenix) consider themselves Hispanic.

_{Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009}

_{*Calculated based on 2025 estimate from City of Maricopa; Source: Arizona Workforce Informer, 2008}

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