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4 August 2025
Arizona is currently experiencing a period of remarkable growth. From adding jobs and increasing its population to welcoming more businesses, the state is solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Arizona’s transformation is not just a short-term trend; it’s a testament to strategic planning, smart policy-making, and an influx of motivated individuals looking to make Arizona their home. Here’s a closer look at why Arizona is on the rise.
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In the last 10 years, Arizona added more than 380,000 new jobs, with the state’s job growth ranking fifth in the nation in 2023. Arizona is experiencing the ninth-fastest job recovery in the nation, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in collaboration with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, highlights Arizona’s resilience and the high demand for workers across various sectors, including technology and healthcare.
Arizona is also seeing an influx of new residents. Over the last 10 years, the state has added 536,336 new residents, nearly 300 people every day. This rapid population growth has placed Arizona as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.
Phoenix, in particular, is attracting a great deal of attention, with the city now ranked #1 in net migration, meaning more people are moving to Phoenix than to any other city in the country. Phoenix became the 5th largest city in the U.S. by 2017, cementing its place as a thriving urban center.
Arizona’s growing population is also reflected in the housing market. The state is adding homeowners at a faster rate than any other state in the nation, with the homeowner rate increasing from 64% to 71.7% between Q1 2020 and Q2 2020. This growth is a clear indicator of the economic momentum Arizona continues to experience. Additionally, with Governor Katie Hobbs signing House Bill 2720, there is potential to enhance housing affordability in urban areas. This bill allows homeowners to more easily install accessory dwelling units (AKA mother-in-law suites), creating additional rental spaces, providing much-needed housing options for low- to moderate-income residents.
Arizona is actively addressing poverty through a comprehensive approach that combines policy initiatives, community programs, and cross-sector collaborations. To enhance housing stability, Arizona offers rental vouchers, subsidized housing, and utility assistance to combat high living costs. Food security initiatives focus on improving the food system, expanding access to nutritious food, and easing enrollment in food assistance programs.
Healthcare access is being strengthened through Medicaid and efforts to reduce medical debt. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) also partners with Community Action Agencies to provide holistic support and self-sufficiency services, especially in rural areas. Additionally, data-driven innovations led by organizations like the ASU Smart City Cloud Innovation Center aim to improve digital service delivery and enhance the reach and effectiveness of social support systems.
Arizona’s trade relationships with Mexico and Canada have also contributed to its success. Since 2015, trade with Mexico and Canada has increased by $1.7 billion, or 8.3%, and Arizona’s exports reached a record high of $24.7 billion in 2019. The state’s economy benefits from its proximity to Mexico, with more than 228,000 jobs tied to trade with the neighboring country.
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Arizona is a state on the rise. With robust job growth, a booming population, expanding businesses, and increasing personal and household income, the future looks exceptionally bright for the Grand Canyon State. Arizona has proven itself to be a leader in the nation’s economic growth. As the state continues to rise, it is poised to be a beacon of opportunity and prosperity for years to come.
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A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
