Maricopa County continues to be the nation’s leader in population growth. More people moved to Maricopa County than any other county in the nation last year, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report that measured the population change in counties between 2021 and 2022.
Maricopa County gained 56,831 residents in 2022, making it the largest-gaining county in the nation with a 1.3% gain since 2021. This puts Maricopa County as the fourth most-populous county in the nation, with a population around 4.6 million.
The U.S. Census Bureau report points to domestic migration as the largest contributor to Maricopa County’s growth. The two counties with the highest amounts of net domestic migration were Maricopa County, Ariz. (33,305 people) and Collin County, Texas (29,696 people).
According to Axios Phoenix, other factors that contributed to Maricopa County’s large growth rate include the national trend of people moving to warmer climates as well as the planned Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. that is attracting workers with high-paying jobs. The Valley’s commitment to creating a dynamic and innovation-centered economy will also continue to promote population growth in Maricopa County.
As Maricopa County continues to grow and develop, the Valley’s leaders will have to consider concerns such as housing, transportation and water shortage while celebrating and welcoming the growing population.
“Our challenge is to balance the benefits of new people, new ideas and new business with policies that ensure development is sustainable, water is available to all, and our growth does not diminish our quality of life,” says Maricopa County Board chair Clint Hickman in a statement.
Read the full report here.
