Spotlight Arizona

#1

most innovative university for the 11th consecutive year
Source: U.S. News and World Report, 2025

#2

in planned data center development nationwide 
Source: AZ Big Media, 2025 

#3

best manufacturing
metro in the nation 
Source: AZ Big Media, 2025

#4

largest city for economic growth in the nation 
Source: Suceed in Superior, 2025

#5

largest city in the
United States 
Source: Chief Executive Magazine, 2025

Grand State, Great People

38.3
Median age
Source: ESRI, 2025

$92,014
Median household income
Source: ESRI, 2025

3.5%
Unemployment rate
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025

17.6%
10-year population growth
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020-2025

28.7%
10-year jobs growth
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 
2015-2025

22.7%
Bachelor’s degree attainment
Source: ESRI, 2025

$472,200
Median home price
Source: National Association of Realtors, 2025

25.7 min.
Average commute time
Source: U.S. Census, 2025

2.5%
Individual income tax rate
Source: AZ DOR, 2025

One of the country’s most sought-after markets, driven by a diverse economy, business-friendly legislation, favorable tax climate, population growth, an educated workforce, and a high quality of life.

Industry Diversification

With no sector making up more than 14% of employment, the economy in Phoenix can cater to a wide variety of industries, making it an attractive location for all types of businesses.

Major Employers

Source: JLL Research, ESRI, Maricopa Association of Governments

Quality of Life

300+
Days of sunshine

77°
Average temperature

0
no natural disasters

Nearly ​200
Golf courses in Phoenix and
surrounding communities

200+
Local trails and hikes

20+
National parks, monuments,
and historic sites in Arizona

Source: JLL Research, GPEC, National Park Service, National Weather Service, Visit Arizona, Visit Phoenix

Sports, Culture and Events

Professional sports teams

Arizona Cardinals National Football League
Photo credit: City of Glendale

Arizona Diamondbacks
Major League Baseball

Phoenix Suns
​National Basketball Association

Phoenix Rising
Football Club

Phoenix Mercury
Women’s National Basketball Association

Arizona Rattlers
​Indoor Football League 

Source: JLL Research, Visit Arizona, Visit Phoenix

Notable local events

Waste Management Phoenix Open
​The WM Phoenix Open is a highly attended PGA Tour golf tournament in Scottsdale. It is known for its lively atmosphere, large crowds, and an iconic 16th hole called "The Coliseum." The event emphasizes sustainability and offers a festive experience, making it a highlight on the PGA Tour calendar.

Cactus League Spring Training
​Cactus League Spring Training is an annual preseason exhibition for Major League Baseball teams held in Arizona. It features 15 teams training and playing in various stadiums across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

• Rock 'N Roll Marathon
• Ironman Arizona Triathlon
• Arizona Renaissance Festival
• NASCAR Championship
   Weekend
• Bentley Scottsdale Polo • Championships
• Maricopa County Fair
• Luke Days Air Show
• Arizona State Fair
• PGA Tour Champions’ Cup
​​• Tempe Fall Festival of the
​   Arts

• Guaranteed Rate Bowl
• VRBO Fiesta Bowl
• NCAA Football National 
• Championship Game 1996,
​   1999, 2002, 2007, 2011, 2016
• Barrett-Jackson Collector
• Car Auction
• Superbowl host city in 1996,
   2008, 2015, 2023
• NCAA Men's Final Four
   host city in 2024
​​• Semicon West 2025, 2027,
​   2029

Education and Talent

Arizona State University
Arizona State University is one of the nation’s largest public universities by enrolment, with more than 140,000 enrolled students, including 110,000 undergraduates and 30,000 postgraduates. ASU maintains four campuses which offer students more than 300 undergraduate academic programs.

Grand Canyon University
Private university with four campuses throughout the market and more than 100,000 students enrolled.

Maricopa Community Colleges
Among the largest community college districts in the U.S., educating more than 100,000 students in the Phoenix market.

#1
in the U.S. for global impact in research, outreach and stewardship
Source: Times Higher Education, 2024

#1
in the U.S. for innovation, nine years in a row
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2016-2024

32k
Students at ASU Ira Fulton School of Engineering
Source: ASU

Top 20
best colleges for
education in America
Source: Niche, 2024

10 colleges
plus, two skills centers and 31 satellite locations
​Source: MCCCD, 2024

More than 62%
of graduates remain in Arizona following graduation
Source: Arizona Board of Regents

#2
In the U.S. for employability among public universities
Source: GEURS, 2024

#1
public university in the U.S. chosen by international students
​Source: Institute of International Education, 2023

#13
best colleges for nursing in America
Source: Niche, 2026

One of America’s
Best-in-State 
employers
Source: Forbes, 2023

Additional Universities & Colleges
More than 40 higher education institutions nearby and across the Phoenix market provide an opportunity for advanced learning

Net In-migration and a Destination for Young Professionals

Average annual population growth in the Phoenix market was more than double the national growth rate during the past five years, led by robust net migration. A large driver of population growth and net migration is the significant growth in younger populations, aged 20 to 44-years old.Average annual population growth in the Phoenix market was more than double the national growth rate during the past five years, led by robust net migration. Historically, a large driver of population growth and net migration was the significant growth in younger populations, aged 20- to 44-years old. 

Net Migration (thousands)

Population by Age

Source: JLL Research, Oxford Economics, U.S. Census