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.

Principal Economic Activities

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.

Scenic Attractions

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.

Community Facilities

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.

Basic Information

Founded 1867 Incorporated 1881
Elevation 1,117 ft. Location Maricopa County
     
Distance to major cities:
Phoenix miles San Diego 355 miles
Tucson 111 miles Los Angeles 372 miles
Las Vegas 287 miles  

Population

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

SALES TAX / TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX

Phoenix 2.30%
Maricopa County 0.70%
State 5.60%

Arizona Dept. of Revenue & Arizona Tax Research Foundation

Labor Force

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

Workforce Education Attainment

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

Industry (ranked by employment)

  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:

City of Phoenix
Christine Mackay
200 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-534-9049
Email: [email protected] 
Website: www.phoenix.gov
Greater Phoenix Chamber of
Commerce

201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-495-2195
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.phoenixchamber.com
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
2 N. Central Avenue, Suite 2500
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-256-7700
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gpec.org
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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