Maricopa County, AZ is home to 27 towns and cities. Named after the Maricopa Native Americans, the county is home to five Native American reservations, the largest of which are the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community. According to the United States Census Bureau, Maricopa County has a total area of 9,224 square miles (23,890 km), with 24 square miles (0.3%) covered by water. It is 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 residents. Maricopa County is unique in that it is the largest county in the United States with a capital city.
The US Census Bureau reports that 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, prosecutor, assessor, treasurer, superintendent of schools, recorder, police officers, justices of the peace, and 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 seventh is mainly headquartered in Tucson. The Phoenix Indian School was formerly in Maricopa County as well as its main major commercial airport Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
As for freight railroads, Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad serve Maricopa County while passenger train service is provided by Phoenix metropolitan area's light rail system. Amtrak's Sunset Limited used to operate in Phoenix until June 2nd 1996 but its closest stop is now located in Maricopa County's neighboring Pinal County. The train connects Maricopa to Tucson, Los Angeles and New Orleans three times a week but does not stop at Phoenix itself. Maricopa County has a population of 4,496,588 and an area of 9,224 square miles (23,890 km). The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is comprised of five members elected by popular vote within their own districts making it only third county in U. S history to cast more than one million votes for a presidential candidate. This includes 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater who would not have won in his own state had it not been for 21000 vote margin in Maricopa County. For much of time after World War II Maricopa County was one of most conservative urban counties in United States but Biden's 45109-vote margin was more than enough to win state as he only won Arizona by 10457 votes. Maricopa County has a rich history that dates back centuries ago when it was inhabited by Native Americans who gave it its name.
Today it is home to 27 towns and cities that span across 9,224 square miles (23,890 km). It is also home to five Native American reservations including Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Gila River Indian Community. The county has a unique distinction as being the largest county in United States with a capital city - Phoenix - which serves as its seat of government. According to US Census Bureau data from 2019 there were 4,496,588 people living in Maricopa County with an average age of 33 years old. The county Board of Supervisors consists of five members elected by popular vote within their own districts making it only third county in U. S history to cast more than one million votes for a presidential candidate - Barry Goldwater during his 1964 campaign. Maricopa County also has its own transportation infrastructure including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which serves as its main commercial airport as well as Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for freight services while passenger train service is provided by Phoenix metropolitan area's light rail system. Amtrak's Sunset Limited used to operate in Phoenix until June 2nd 1996 but its closest stop is now located in Maricopa County's neighboring Pinal County connecting Maricopa to Tucson, Los Angeles and New Orleans three times a week but not stopping at Phoenix itself. Maricopa County has come a long way since its days as one of most conservative urban counties in United States with Joe Biden winning state by 10457 votes thanks to his 45109-vote margin here.
