If you think that Phoenix or Tucson are the fastest-growing Arizona Cities, you need to think again! Queen Creek, Buckeye and Marana saw the highest percentages of growth in the last decade. What other fast-growing places are on the list? Keep reading to find out about some of the best neighborhoods in Arizona.
Known for its weather and vast topography, Arizona is a major hub of commerce and tourism in the western United States. While you might expect cities like Tempe and Phoenix (which are rich in history and culture) to be the fastest-growing areas of the state, the truth is that many of Arizona’s residents are heading out of the big cities. Where are people going in Arizona? Check out the list to find out and lets get you moving with a FREE QUOTE!
A southeast suburb of Phoenix, Queen Creek has enjoyed explosive growth since 2010, seeing its population nearly double to 105,567 (2022). The community has invested in its Town Center and is developing strategies to foster continued employment growth in key sectors: aerospace, health, the arts, family activities, education and renewable energy. The median household income in Queen Creek is $96,288. The top-employing industries are health care, retail trade, professional services and education. The average commute time for Queen Creek residents is about 33 minutes.
Buckeye, is one of the fastest growing cities in the country! It is the westernmost suburb of Phoenix, has seen its population surge from about 50,000 to 80,000 over the past decade. The median household income is $79,156. Buckeye has seen its job market grow 3.3% over the past year, and it’s predicted to grow 48% over the next 10 years, well above the national average of 33.5%. The most popular occupations among Buckeye residents are administrative support, sales and management. Hopes are high for a $50 million cricket stadium off Interstate 10, the centerpiece of a complex of soccer fields, pickleball courts and an entertainment district.
3. Casa Grande
Located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande has approximately 60,032 residents over the past decade, boosting the total population. Cotton and dairy farms once were staples of a local economy rooted in agriculture, but today Casa Grande is inhabited by suburbanites who commute an average of 22.6 minutes. Industries employing the most Casa Grande residents are Retail Trade (3,190 people), Manufacturing (3,168 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (3,086 people).. The median household income among Casa Grande residents is $64,535.
4. Marana
Marana is a Tucson suburb that has grown from just under 35,000 people to nearly 55,962 since the 2010 census. It’s the fastest-growing city in southern Arizona. Top private employers include Topgolf, MHC Healthcare, the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain and Sargent Aerospace. The median household income in Marana is$105,624. The aerospace, aviation services and defense industries have a strong presence in Marana. The city also is a transportation hub, straddling Interstate 10 and the Union Pacific Railroad and featuring the revamped Marana Regional Airport.
5. Goodyear
Named after the world-renowned tire company, this city features Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. Goodyear is a Phoenix suburb that has grown to 105,406 residents since the last U.S. Census. Vantage Data Centers, a global provider of hyperscale data centers, has begun the second phase of construction on its sprawling Goodyear campus. DCX has opened a big-performance data center in Goodyear. Plans are in the works for The Stillery, a restaurant and live music venue; and Copper State Bolt & Nut is expanding to Goodyear with a 40,000 square-foot distribution center.
6. San Luis
Part of the Yuma metropolitan area in southwestern Arizona, San Luis has grown to 35,770 residents. It also ranked among Arizona’s fastest-growing communities from 1990 to 2000. Retail trade, agriculture and manufacturing play major roles in the local economy. Light industry infrastructure is readily available, and San Luis is considered an ideal site for manufacturing and assembly plants. The median household income in San Luis is $41,648. The average commute time is nearly 32 minutes.
7. Gilbert
Gilbert is a Phoenix suburb that was once known as the Hay Shipping Capital of the World. Today it’s the fifth-largest municipality in Arizona, having increased its population to 93,230. Gilbert rapidly transformed itself from a farm economy to a diverse suburban center whose key private employers include Banner Health, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Fry’s Food & Drug and Go Daddy. The household median income is $105,733. The town is working actively to attract innovative companies from around the world.
8. Tempe
Tempe has 185,950 residents since 2022, pushing its population just shy of 200,000. Its key economic and cultural driver is Arizona State University: At nearly 75,000 students, it’s one of the largest universities in the U.S. Tempe is home to one Fortune 500 company, used car retailer DriveTime; as well as national brands Carvana, Norton LifeLock, First Solar and Circle K. The median household income in Tempe is $64,080. Residents commute an average of 21 minutes to work.
9. Sahuarita
Sahuarita has approximate 35,638 residents, increasing the total population nearly 21%. Grupo Mexico Asarco’s Mission Complex mine is located in Sahuarita and is one of the community’s top employers. La Posada, Walmart, Farmers Investment Co., Fry’s Food and Drug and Safeway rank among the top 10 private employers. The median household income in Sahuarita is $91,110. The average commute time for residents of this southern Arizona community – located 15 miles from Tucson – is 28 minutes.
10. Surprise
Surprise has 154,198 residents raised over the past decade, an increase of nearly 21%. The community gets an economic boost each spring, when the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers train in Surprise. Top private employers include national and regional retailers Walmart, Fry’s Food and Drug, McDonald’s, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Sam’s Club. The median household income here is $76,623. The industries employing the most Surprise residents are retail, health care and education.
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