Major Cities & Population in Arizona State - Where to live, work and play? The state of Arizona has a population of 6,828,065 and is located in the southwest part of the United States. Most of the state's employment is in government, transportation and healthcare, and nearly 90% of the population lives in cities. Learn about the top cities in Arizona below! Read on to find out about all of Arizona's major cities.
Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona, is a vibrant college town with a population of 520,116. Originally a Spanish military fort, Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix. It was purchased by the US in the Gadsden Purchase in 1854 and is often referred to as "the Old Pueblo."
Phoenix, Arizona was founded in 1867, and grew into a large agricultural town. In 1881, it was incorporated as a city, and in 1889, it became the capital of the Arizona Territory. A canal system helped the state's residents grow and thrive, and the city became a major center for aerospace and electronics manufacturing. Today, Phoenix's economy is largely dependent on tourism, particularly in winter.
In addition to the economic benefits of a city, its population is also important for attracting new businesses, retailers, schools and health care facilities. Large businesses often have threshold population requirements to attract them. Census data is also used by city planners to plan for infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines. Moreover, it is a critical tool for drawing new city council districts. And last but not least, the state's residents enjoy an attractive quality of life.