Apache Junction is the eastern gateway into the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Highways US60 and recently extended SR24 are primary corridors providing easy access into the urban core. Apache Junction is also the western gateway into the Tonto National Forest, Superstition Mountain range, and desert vistas and lakes leading to Roosevelt Dam. Rural roots and natural outdoor recreation remain cherished community characteristics, while Apache Junction also advances into a 21st century city, with new quality growth, expansion of employment corridors and diversifying housing and quality of life options. New opportunities abound in Apache Junction, which annexed nearly 6,700 acres into the city in 2021, with nearly 2,800 of those acres beginning construction on a first-class master planned community.

Principal Economic Activities

Apache Junction has identified four target sectors to grow the local economy. These sectors include 1) manufacturing with a focus on electronic equipment and components and electric and autonomous vehicles; 2) distribution/logistics; 3) retail; and 4) hospitality, entertainment and tourism. Major area employers include Banner Health, Western Industrial Resources, Fry’s Food stores and several municipal government service providers. Apache Junction’s proximity to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport combined with the extension of the SR24 will provide tremendous opportunity to grow key industries and bring quality living-wage jobs to the city. The city offers several sites with a global reach, close to regional airports and railroads, with quality community college and higher education opportunities within an easy commute for future workforce needs and continuing education.

Scenic Attractions

Apache Junction is known for its many recreational attractions. More than 500,000 visitors from all over the country and world come to the area each year to experience outstanding hiking, camping and biking. Further, special events include the Arizona Renaissance Festival, the Lost Dutchman Marathon, Superstition Blues & Brews Festival, Lost Dutchman Days. Year-round special attractions include Lost Dutchman State Park, Superstition Mountain Museum, Barleens Arizona Opry, Goldfield Ghost Town and Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake.

Community Facilities

Apache Junction offers a range of award-winning community facilities. The City has 10 developed parks with a variety of amenities including ballfields, picnic areas, multi-use trails, an aquatic center, skate park, rodeo grounds, and off-leash dog park spaces. There are also thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and State Land that have approved limited uses to expand facility offerings to residents and visitors of the area. The city is also proud to offer a library, senior center, community swimming pool and Paws & Claws pet adoption and services.

Basic Information

Founded 1950 Incorporated 1978
Elevation 1,715 ft. Location Pinal County
      Maricopa County
Distance to major cities:
Phoenix 36 miles San Diego 378 miles
Tucson 128 miles Los Angeles 408 miles
Las Vegas 329 miles  

Population

2000 2010 2023 (est.)
Apache Junction 31,814 35,828 39,009
Pinal County 179,727 376,369 439,128
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

SALES TAX / TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX

Apache Junction 2.40%
Pinal County 1.10%
Maricopa County 0.70%
State 5.60%

Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation

Labor Force

2000 2010 2022
Civilian Labor Force 14,058 14,110 15,835
Unemployed 452 2,336 884
Unemployment Rate 3.2% 16.6% 5.6%

Office of Economic Opportunity

Workforce Education Attainment

Count Share
Less than high school 4,043 12.2%
High school or equivalent, no college 11,106 33.6%
Some college or Associate degree 12,211 36.9%
Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree 5,731 17.3%

American Community Survey

Industry (ranked by employment)

  Count Share
Education, health care & social assistance 3,529 23.5%
Retail trade 2,733 18.2%
Professional, scientific, & administrative services 1,431 9.5%
Arts, entertainment, food & recreation services 1,292 8.6%
Construction 1,133 7.6%
Manufacturing 1,062 7.1%
Finance, insurance & real estate 1,018 6.8%
Transportation, warehousing, & utilities 784 5.2%
Other services, except public administration 667 4.4%
Public administration 474 3.2%
Wholesale trade 364 2.4%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, & mining 268 1.8%
Information 238 1.6%

American Community Survey

This profile was prepared by the Arizona Commerce Authority in cooperation with local sources. For further information, please contact:

Apache Junction Economic Development
Patrick Ainsworth
300 E. Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone: 480-474-5076
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.apachejunctionaz.gov
Pinal County Economic Development
James Smith
P.O. Box 827
Florence, AZ 85132
Phone: 520-866-6309
Email: [email protected]
Website: pinalcountyaz.gov
Apache Junction Chamber of
Commerce

Mary Ann Przybylski
567 W. Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Phone: 480-982-3141
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ajchamber.com
Arizona Commerce Authority
Statewide Economic Development Group
100 N. 7th Ave., Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-845-1200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.azcommerce.com



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