View the the county map of Arizona shown below, Arizona is divided into 15 counties, each serving as an administrative region with unique geographic, demographic, and economic characteristics. The largest county by population is Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and over 4 million residents, accounting for more than half of the state’s population. In contrast, Coconino County is the largest by land area, covering approximately 18,661 square miles and including the Grand Canyon. Pima County, with Tucson as its county seat, is the second-most populous, while rural counties like Greenlee and La Paz have smaller populations focused on mining and agriculture. Each county supports Arizona's diverse economy, from tourism and urban development in populous regions to ranching and natural resource extraction in less populated areas.
| County | County Seat | Population | Land Area (sq miles) | Key Industries | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa | Phoenix | 4,420,568 | 9,224 | Technology, Healthcare, Finance | Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Arizona State University |
| Pima | Tucson | 1,059,084 | 9,189 | Education, Military, Tourism | University of Arizona, Saguaro National Park, Davis-Monthan AFB |
| Coconino | Flagstaff | 145,101 | 18,661 | Tourism, Education, Recreation | Grand Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, Northern Arizona University |
| Pinal | Florence | 425,264 | 5,374 | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Retail | Casa Grande, San Tan Valley, Coolidge |
| Yavapai | Prescott | 240,226 | 8,125 | Tourism, Healthcare, Small Manufacturing | Prescott National Forest, Montezuma Castle, Jerome |
| Mohave | Kingman | 213,267 | 13,461 | Tourism, Mining, Renewable Energy | Lake Havasu, Colorado River, Route 66 |
| Yuma | Yuma | 215,033 | 5,519 | Agriculture, Military, Retail | Yuma Proving Ground, Colorado River, Winter Vegetable Production |
| Apache | St. Johns | 72,000 | 11,218 | Government Services, Agriculture, Native Enterprises | Navajo Nation, Petrified Forest National Park |
| Navajo | Holbrook | 110,370 | 9,959 | Tourism, Government, Healthcare | Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Hopi Reservation |
| Gila | Globe | 54,018 | 4,796 | Mining, Tourism | Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Monument, Roosevelt Lake |
| Graham | Safford | 39,051 | 4,641 | Agriculture, Education | Mount Graham, Eastern Arizona College |
| Santa Cruz | Nogales | 47,420 | 1,238 | Trade, Agriculture, Retail | U.S.-Mexico Border, Nogales Port of Entry |
| Cochise | Bisbee | 126,770 | 6,219 | Agriculture, Military | Fort Huachuca, Tombstone, Bisbee Mining District |
| La Paz | Parker | 21,098 | 4,500 | Tourism, Agriculture | Colorado River, Parker Strip, Off-Road Racing |
| Greenlee | Clifton | 10,040 | 1,848 | Mining | Morenci Mine, Coronado Trail Scenic Byway |
Arizona is divided into 15 counties, each with unique geographic features, demographics, and economic bases. From the urban centers of Maricopa and Pima counties to the vast rural landscapes of Coconino and Apache counties, Arizona’s counties contribute to the state’s diversity and vitality.
Maricopa County is Arizona’s most populous county and one of the largest in the United States, with over 4 million residents. It encompasses the Phoenix metropolitan area, which serves as the state’s economic and political hub. Phoenix, the state capital, is the county seat. Maricopa County is a center for industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance, generating significant economic output. Covering 9,224 square miles, it ranks fourth in land area among Arizona’s counties.
Pima County is the second-most populous county in Arizona, home to over 1 million residents and the city of Tucson, which serves as the county seat. Tucson is known for its educational and research institutions, particularly the University of Arizona. Pima County’s economy is supported by education, military installations, and tourism, with attractions like Saguaro National Park. The county spans approximately 9,189 square miles, making it similar in size to Maricopa County but with a larger rural landscape.
Coconino County is Arizona’s largest county by land area, covering 18,661 square miles, yet has a relatively small population of around 145,000. The county seat is Flagstaff, known for its proximity to the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks. Coconino County is rich in natural beauty and is home to several national parks and monuments, including the Grand Canyon. The economy is largely driven by tourism, education, and outdoor recreation.
Pinal County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Arizona, with a population of over 425,000. Located between Phoenix and Tucson, Pinal has experienced rapid suburban development, particularly in areas like Casa Grande. The county’s economy includes manufacturing, agriculture, and retail, with new businesses attracted by its proximity to both major metropolitan areas. Pinal County spans approximately 5,374 square miles.
Yavapai County covers around 8,125 square miles and is home to a population of about 240,000. Prescott, the county seat, is known for its historic charm and cooler climate, making it a popular destination for retirees. Yavapai County’s economy includes tourism, healthcare, and small-scale manufacturing, with natural attractions such as the Prescott National Forest and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Mohave County is located in northwestern Arizona and spans approximately 13,461 square miles, making it the second-largest county by area. The county has a population of over 213,000, with Kingman as the county seat. Major economic activities in Mohave County include tourism along the Colorado River, mining, and renewable energy. Lake Havasu City is a popular recreational area within the county, drawing tourists year-round.
Yuma County, located in southwestern Arizona, is known for its agriculture. Covering 5,519 square miles, Yuma County is home to about 215,000 residents, with Yuma as the county seat. The county’s agricultural sector is vital to the U.S. winter vegetable supply, producing more than 90% of the nation’s leafy greens during the colder months. The Yuma Proving Ground, a large military installation, also contributes to the local economy.
Apache County is located in northeastern Arizona and covers approximately 11,218 square miles. It has a population of around 72,000, with the majority of its residents belonging to the Navajo Nation. The county seat is St. Johns. Apache County’s economy is driven by government services, Native American enterprises, and agriculture, with significant cultural and historical importance.
Navajo County, bordering Apache County, spans 9,959 square miles and has a population of about 110,000. The county seat is Holbrook, with large portions of the county falling within the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation. Navajo County’s economy is diverse, including tourism, healthcare, and government services. The Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley are notable attractions within the county.
Gila County covers around 4,796 square miles and is home to roughly 54,000 residents. The county seat is Globe, historically known for its mining industry. Copper mining remains a significant part of the local economy, and tourism also contributes, with natural attractions like Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake drawing visitors.
Graham County, with a population of around 39,000, spans 4,641 square miles in southeastern Arizona. The county seat is Safford, and the county is known for its agriculture, particularly cotton and pecans. Eastern Arizona College and the nearby Mount Graham International Observatory contribute to Graham County’s educational and scientific presence.
Santa Cruz County, Arizona’s smallest county by area, covers just 1,238 square miles but has a population of approximately 47,000. The county seat is Nogales, which serves as an important port of entry between the U.S. and Mexico. Santa Cruz County’s economy is largely based on cross-border trade, agriculture, and retail.
Cochise County, located in southeastern Arizona, spans 6,219 square miles and has a population of about 126,000. The county seat is Bisbee, known for its historic mining district. The economy of Cochise County includes agriculture, mining, and military activities, with Fort Huachuca, a major Army installation, being one of the county’s largest employers.
La Paz County, one of Arizona’s least populous counties, covers around 4,500 square miles and has a population of about 21,000. The county seat is Parker, located along the Colorado River. Tourism and agriculture are key components of La Paz County’s economy, with Parker serving as a hub for recreational activities like boating and fishing.
Greenlee County is Arizona’s smallest county by population, with around 10,000 residents, and covers 1,848 square miles. The county seat is Clifton, which is known for its historic copper mining industry. The Morenci Mine, one of the largest copper mines in the world, is located here and remains a major employer, sustaining much of Greenlee County’s economy.
