The county administrator is the chief executive of Maricopa County and is responsible for managing more than 40 departments that are tasked with carrying out the Board's vision. Maricopa County was named after the Maricopa Native Americans, and five Native American reservations are located within its boundaries. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 9,224 square miles (23,890 km), of which 24 square miles (0.3%) are covered by water. This makes it one of the largest counties in the United States by area, with an area larger than that of four other U.
S. states. From west to east, it extends 132 miles (212 km) and 103 miles (166 km) from north to south. It is also the most populous county in Arizona, encompassing more than half of the state's population. Maricopa County is unique in that it is the largest county in the United States with a capital city.
The age distribution in the county was 27.0% of those under 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24 years old, 31.4% from 25 to 44 years old, 19.8% from 45 to 64 years old, and 11.7% from 65 years of age or older. The average age was 33 years old. For every 100 females, there were 100.10 males and for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.10 males. Unlike cities and towns in Arizona, counties are politically and legally subordinate to the state and have no statutes of their own. The county Board of Supervisors acts by virtue of powers delegated by state law, primarily related to minor ordinances and revenue collection.
With few exceptions, these powers of attorney are interpreted strictly. The president of the board chairs for a period of one year, and is elected by the members of the board during a public hearing. The people elect the county sheriff, the county prosecutor, the county assessor, the county treasurer, the superintendent of schools, the county recorder, the police officers, the justices of the peace, and the clerk of the Superior Court. The retention of High Court judges is also determined by popular vote. The first, third, fourth, fifth, and eighth districts are all centered on Maricopa County while the second and ninth are focused on rural Arizona and the seventh is mainly headquartered in Tucson. The Phoenix Indian School was formerly in the county.
The county's main major commercial airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). As for freight railroads, both Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad serve Maricopa County. As for passenger trains, Phoenix has a light rail system but no other passenger rail transportation as Amtrak's Sunset Limited which operated in Phoenix until June 2nd 1996 has its closest stop in Maricopa in neighboring Pinal County. For much of the time after World War II, Maricopa County was one of the most conservative urban counties in the United States. This includes 1964 presidential candidacy of its native son Barry Goldwater who would not have won in his own state had it not been for a margin of 21000 votes in Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Department of Human Services (HSD) promotes community resilience and promotes well-being for residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families thrive. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is comprised of five members elected by popular vote within their own districts.
To further highlight Maricopa County's political dominance Biden's 45109-vote margin was more than enough to win Arizona; he only won by 10457 votes. Maricopa County is home to more than 40 departments that are responsible for carrying out its Board's vision. These departments range from Human Services to Public Safety to Transportation & Infrastructure Services - all working together to ensure that residents have access to quality services that meet their needs. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement throughout Maricopa County while other departments such as Public Health provide essential services such as immunizations and health screenings. The Department of Transportation & Infrastructure Services oversees road construction projects as well as public transit systems such as Valley Metro Rail which connects Phoenix with other cities throughout Maricopa County. The Department of Environmental Quality works to protect air quality while also providing resources for water conservation efforts. The Department of Economic Security provides assistance programs such as food stamps and cash assistance for those who qualify. The Department of Child Support Services helps ensure that parents meet their financial obligations when it comes to providing support for their children. The Department of Juvenile Corrections works with youth offenders to help them turn their lives around through education and rehabilitation programs. Finally, there are several other departments such as Parks & Recreation which provide recreational opportunities for residents throughout Maricopa County. Maricopa County is home to many departments and agencies that work together to ensure that residents have access to quality services that meet their needs. From law enforcement to public health services to transportation projects - these departments work together to make sure that everyone has access to what they need.
