If you are interested in what the U.S. Census tells us about Arizona, in general, and Maricopa County, in particular, here are some of the facts and figures presented to you in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format. These figures are from the 2008 estimates, unless otherwise stated.
- Arizona population: 6,500,180
- Arizona ranks 14th in state population.
- The increase in population in Arizona was the fifth highest in the country. California, Texas, Florida and Georgia were the only states with higher increases in population.
- The population of Arizona has increased by 26.7% since 2000, the second largest percentage increase next to Nevada which had more than a 30% increase. The U.S. population, as a whole, increase by 8%.
- Maricopa County population: 3,954,598
- Maricopa County had a 28.7% increase in population. It is the 4th largest county in the country.
- The Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area has a population of 4,281,899 making it the 12th largest metropolitan area. Metro Phoenix grew by 31.7% from 2000 to 2008.
- Out of 263 cities nationwide, 8 incorporated cities in the Phoenix metro area have a population of 100,000 or more. They are Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
Of those 263 cities just mentioned:
- Phoenix is ranked #5 and grew 17.5% since 2000.
- Mesa is ranked #39 and grew 14.3% since 2000.
- Glendale is ranked #71 and grew 15.7% since 2000.
- Chandler is ranked #77 and grew 39.5% since 2000.
- Scottsdale is ranked #80 and grew 16.3% since 2000.
- Gilbert is ranked #96 and grew 89.2% since 2000.
- Tempe is ranked #129 and grew 9.8% since 2000.
- Peoria is ranked #158 and grew 35.4% since 2000.
