What is considered metro Phoenix? What you need to know
The phrase "metro Phoenix" has become a lightning rod for spirited debates, especially when it comes to defining the boundaries of this sprawling urban expanse.
Beyond Phoenix proper, the term encompasses a tapestry of cities and towns, each contributing to the region's dynamic identity. Depending on who you ask, metro Phoenix includes communities as far west as Tonopah, as far east as Gold Canyon, as far north as New River and as far south as Maricopa.
To unravel the intricacies and try to resolve the geographic quibbles, here's a look at what makes up the beating heart of metro Phoenix.
What is considered the metro Phoenix area?
Metro Phoenix, also known as the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Valley of the Sun or simply the Valley, is a metropolis in central Arizona.
According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler Metropolitan Statistical Area encompasses Maricopa County and Pinal County, covering 14,587 square miles.
Maricopa County covers 9,223 square miles, while Pinal County contributes 5,364 square miles to the size of the metropolitan area, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Large cities and neighboring smaller communities form the contiguous urban/suburban area commonly called metro Phoenix or greater Phoenix.
"Not everybody knows all the names of all communities that make up the region, but everyone knows what we mean when we say Greater Phoenix. They know Greater Phoenix, regardless of the suburb," said Tim Bourcet, vice president of corporate development and community engagement for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
How many cities are in metro Phoenix?
We talked to Chris Miller, corporate communications manager at Visit Phoenix, which promotes tourism to the city. Miller said “metropolitan Phoenix is made up of more than 20 cities and towns in Maricopa County and five cities in Pinal County.”
Here are some of the cities that make up metro Phoenix.
Apache Junction
Avondale
Buckeye
Cave Creek
Chandler
El Mirage
Fountain Hills
Gila Bend
Gilbert
Glendale
Goodyear
Litchfield Park
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Peoria
Phoenix
Queen Creek
Scottsdale
Sun City and Sun City West
Surprise
Tempe
Tolleson
Wickenburg
Youngtown
Kevin Phelps, Glendale city manager, points out that all communities in the Valley have qualities that contribute to the area's desirability. He said Glendale works to cultivate its own identity and foster a sense of community in this sprawling region.
"We don’t buy into the notion that larger is better, but we are proud of the Phoenix metro area tag," said Phelps.
Stephanie Pressler, director of community and government affairs for Experience Scottsdale, which promotes tourism to the city said: "Travelers visiting the Valley don’t necessarily recognize when they are crossing city limits. A visitor staying at a resort in Scottsdale may explore a museum in Phoenix, just as a visitor staying in Tempe may dine in Scottsdale."
Being a distinct part of a larger whole has its advantages.
"When it comes to the Valley’s tourism industry, the phrase 'a rising tide lifts all boats' rings true," said Pressler. "We especially see that during major events like last year’s Super Bowl, the annual Cactus League Spring Training or the upcoming NCAA Men’s Final Four."
Is Phoenix metro growing?
According to the World Population Review, Phoenix is growing at a rate of 0.8% annually and its population has increased by 3.3% since the most recent census. That growth can be attributed to a confluence of factors such as its warm climate, relatively affordable housing and solid job market.
Phoenix occupies the second-highest position for numeric population increase among all large cities in the nation, surpassed only by Fort Worth, Texas, based on its 2022 population.
The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler Metropolitan Statistical Area is the 10th largest in the United States, and Arizona cities with populations of 50,000 or more have all seen population increases from 2021 to 2022, according to the University of Arizona.
What is the population of metro Phoenix?
Phoenix is the country's fifth-largest city by population, with 1,682,515 residents as of 2024. The population of the metro area is significantly more than that.
“Census estimates show that we recently surpassed 5 million for the total population of metro Phoenix,” said Miller.
How many people move to Phoenix every day?
As Arizona thrives by welcoming businesses and industries, it also welcomes new residents.
“Based on census estimates released in May, the daily number is around 200, with recent growth bringing nearly 73,000 over the course of one year,” said Miller.
Why is Phoenix called 'the Valley'?
Phoenix is situated in the Salt River Valley, a basin surrounded by the McDowell Mountains to the northeast, the Superstition Mountains to the east, the White Tank Mountains to the west and South Mountain to the south.
Phoenix is also often called the Valley of the Sun. That nickname was coined in the 1930s by a local advertising agency working for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.