Cities and Towns
Maricopa County is home to a wide mix of communities, from the largest city in the county seat to small desert towns and retirement enclaves. This guide gives residents, newcomers, and business owners a practical overview of the major living areas across the county and a complete table of all cities and towns with their populations to help compare options at a glance.
Navigating Maricopa County’s Major Urban Centers
The largest population centers in Maricopa County are Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Tempe, and Surprise. These cities tend to offer the widest range of jobs, higher-education options, health care facilities, and cultural venues.
Phoenix, the county’s core city, concentrates many government services, major hospitals, and large employers. Mesa and Chandler are popular for families and professionals who want strong school options and access to tech and manufacturing jobs. Gilbert and Glendale offer extensive master-planned neighborhoods and busy commercial corridors, while Scottsdale is known for tourism, hospitality, and higher-end retail. Peoria, Tempe, and Surprise bridge the gap between employment hubs and residential communities, making them common choices for commuters.
When deciding among these larger cities, most residents compare commute times along freeways and major arterials, access to schools and colleges, proximity to medical centers, and the style of housing—older central neighborhoods versus newer suburban developments.
Family-Focused Suburban Communities and Master-Planned Areas
Goodyear, Buckeye, Avondale, and Queen Creek have grown quickly as people look for newer homes, more space, and community amenities. These areas often feature planned subdivisions with neighborhood parks, shared pools, and walking paths, making them attractive to families seeking a suburban lifestyle.
Anthem, New River, and Sun Lakes provide a mix of master-planned neighborhoods and quiet residential areas slightly removed from the urban core. Many residents choose these communities for a balance of open space and modern conveniences, while still maintaining reasonable access to employment corridors.
When comparing these suburbs, pay attention to school district boundaries, HOA requirements, and drive times to key destinations such as downtown Phoenix, employment campuses, and airports.
Retirement, Resort, and Lifestyle-Oriented Communities
Maricopa County also includes several communities known for their amenities geared toward retirees or lifestyle-focused living. Sun City and Sun City West are long-standing active adult communities with golf courses, recreation centers, and social clubs. These locations are designed to make it easier to stay active, meet neighbors, and access nearby health services.
Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills appeal to residents who prioritize scenic views, larger lots, or resort-style surroundings. Carefree, Cave Creek, and Rio Verde offer a more relaxed, small-town or semi-rural feel while still being close to shopping, dining, and services in nearby cities.
Understanding age-restricted housing rules, local recreation offerings, and nearby medical providers is especially important when evaluating these communities for retirement or second-home living.
Historic Small Towns, Rural Gateways, and Tribal Communities
Several smaller towns in Maricopa County offer a distinctly different pace from the urban core. Wickenburg and Gila Bend are examples of communities that serve as gateways to outdoor recreation and regional travel routes. Tolleson, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, and Guadalupe provide historic main streets and established neighborhoods with strong local identity.
Citrus Park and Komatke, along with other unincorporated or tribal areas, may have different governance structures, services, and land-use rules than incorporated cities. Residents and businesses looking at these communities often check zoning regulations, utility providers, and available county services to understand how daily life and development might differ from larger cities.
Complete Population Table of Cities and Towns in Maricopa County
Use the table below to compare communities by size. This can help narrow choices based on whether you prefer a large urban environment, a mid-sized suburb, or a smaller town setting.
| City or Town | Population |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | 1,650,070 |
| Mesa | 511,648 |
| Chandler | 280,167 |
| Gilbert | 275,411 |
| Glendale | 253,855 |
| Scottsdale | 244,394 |
| Peoria | 198,750 |
| Tempe | 189,834 |
| Surprise | 158,285 |
| Goodyear | 111,805 |
| Buckeye | 108,909 |
| Avondale | 89,334 |
| Queen Creek | 59,519 |
| Sun City | 39,931 |
| Apache Junction | 38,499 |
| El Mirage | 35,805 |
| Sun City West | 25,806 |
| Fountain Hills | 23,820 |
| Anthem | 23,190 |
| New River | 17,290 |
| Sun Lakes | 14,868 |
| Paradise Valley | 12,658 |
| Wickenburg | 7,474 |
| Tolleson | 7,216 |
| Youngtown | 7,056 |
| Litchfield Park | 6,847 |
| Guadalupe | 5,322 |
| Citrus Park | 5,194 |
| Cave Creek | 4,892 |
| Carefree | 3,690 |
| Rio Verde | 2,210 |
| Gila Bend | 1,892 |
| Komatke | 1,013 |