History and Development
Phoenix was founded in 1867 as an agricultural settlement near the Salt and Gila Rivers confluence. The city was incorporated in 1881 with a population of approximately 2,500 residents. Its strategic location along the canal system made it ideal for farming, with settlers cultivating alfalfa, cotton, citrus, and hay—crops that remained economically important for decades.
In 1889, Phoenix was selected as the capital of the Arizona Territory, a designation that solidified its importance in the region. The first City Council meeting was held on May 9, 1881, with the first ordinance adopted concerning the city's official seal featuring a rising bird—symbolizing renewal and rebirth.
The city's location at the confluence of two major rivers provided abundant water for irrigation and agriculture, creating a thriving farming community that supported rapid growth throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Government and Administration
Phoenix pioneered the council-manager form of government when it adopted this system in 1913, making it one of the first cities in the United States to use this approach. Today, Phoenix operates under the largest municipal government of this type in the country.
The city is governed by a Mayor and eight City Council members, each serving four-year terms. While the mayor is elected in a citywide election, council members are elected by voters in their respective districts. Both the mayor and council members have equal voting power in setting city policy and passing regulations.
In recognition of its efficient governance, Phoenix shared the prestigious 1993 Carl Bertelsmann Prize with Christchurch, New Zealand, awarded to the world's best-run city government for its highly efficient and customer-oriented programs.
The city's downtown area includes the historic Phoenix City Council chambers, located in the heart of the city's central business district.
Economy and Industry
Phoenix's economy is diverse and robust, supported by several major employers and industries. As of 2024, the city has a per capita income of $61,840 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%.
Major Employers
- Banner Health - One of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the country and a leading local employer
- State of Arizona - The state's largest public employer with numerous agencies headquartered in Phoenix
- Avnet Inc. - Global distributor of electronic components based in Phoenix
- Honeywell Aerospace - Major aerospace and defense manufacturer
- Intel - Semiconductor manufacturing and research facilities
- Amazon - Multiple fulfillment centers and corporate offices
- Sprouts Farmers Market - Grocery retailer headquartered in Phoenix
- Republic Services - Waste management and environmental services company
- PetSmart - Retail headquarters
- Freeport-McMoRan - Mining company with significant operations
Key Industries
Major industries include healthcare, aerospace, technology, manufacturing, and construction. Health care and leisure/hospitality account for a significant portion of private sector employment. Manufacturing, particularly semiconductor production, computers, electronic equipment, aircraft parts, chemicals, and processed foods, ranks as a major industry segment.
Economic Growth and Investment
Phoenix continues to attract major investments. In 2024, the Arizona Commerce Authority worked with companies that committed to creating over 24,251 new Arizona jobs with an average wage of $75,701, representing more than $50 billion in committed investments. TSMC announced plans for advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities in the Phoenix metropolitan area as part of over $165 billion in planned Arizona investments. Other major companies establishing operations include Google, Meta, DoorDash, and Align Technology.
Attractions and Things to Do
Museums
- Arizona Science Center - Over 350 hands-on interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and IMAX films suitable for families and all ages
- Musical Instrument Museum - World's largest musical instrument museum with over 15,000 instruments from around the globe spanning all historical periods
- Phoenix Art Museum - Major art institution featuring contemporary and classical collections
- Heard Museum - Renowned for its Native American art collections and cultural exhibits
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting - Extensive collection of firefighting equipment and history
- Children's Museum of Phoenix - Interactive exhibits designed for children up to age 10 with hands-on activities
- Arizona Museum of Natural History - Located in nearby Mesa, featuring exhibits from dinosaurs to ancient cultures
Outdoor Recreation
- Desert Botanical Garden - Over 50,000 plant displays showcasing desert cacti, flowers, succulents, and trees with guided tours
- Phoenix Zoo - Home to diverse wildlife species with walking paths through Papago Park
- South Mountain Park - 16,000 acres offering 50 miles of hiking and biking trails through the Sonoran Desert
- Camelback Mountain - Popular hiking destination with panoramic city views from the summit
- Papago Park - Scenic park featuring geological formations and connected trails
Arts and Entertainment
- Phoenix Opera Virtual House - Professional opera performances and cultural events
- Performing Arts Venues - Various theaters and concert halls throughout the city
- Street Murals and Public Art - Downtown area features street art and public sculpture installations
Adventure Activities
- Hot Air Ballooning - Companies like Unicorn Balloon Company, Aeroona Adventure, and Adventures Out West offer sunrise and sunset balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert
- Horseback Riding - Ponderosa Stables and South Mountain Stables provide guided trail rides
- White Water Rafting - Salt River Recreation offers rafting adventures on mild to wild courses with companies including Sun Country Rafting and Far Flung Adventures
- Water Parks - Big Surf Water Park provides family water attractions during warm months
Sports and Recreation
Education
Phoenix is home to numerous educational institutions serving students from elementary through graduate levels. The city is served by the Phoenix Union High School District and various charter schools.
Colleges and Universities
For comprehensive information about educational opportunities in Arizona, including colleges, universities, online degree programs, and trade schools, visit:
Practical Information
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the primary airport serving the metropolitan area with domestic and international flights.
For complete airport information and ground transportation options.
The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau provides comprehensive tourism information, event calendars, accommodation guides, and travel packages for visitors.
Visit Phoenix Official Tourism Site
Healthcare and Medical Services
Phoenix is served by numerous healthcare facilities providing comprehensive medical services:
- Phoenix Baptist Hospital - Full-service acute care facility
- Arrowhead Community Hospital - Comprehensive healthcare services
- Phoenix Children's Hospital - Specialized pediatric care and treatment
- North Phoenix Heart Center - Cardiology and heart specialty services
For comprehensive healthcare resources, visit Arizona Hospitals and Medical Facilities
Business Resources
Media and Communications
Real Estate and Relocation
Phoenix offers diverse real estate options across numerous neighborhoods and surrounding areas including Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Higley, Maricopa, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Queen Creek, Sun City, Surprise, and Tempe.
Religious Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Phoenix became the capital of the Arizona Territory in 1889. The city was incorporated on February 25, 1881, with a population of around 2,500 people. Its strategic location on the canal system and at the confluence of major rivers made it an ideal location for the territorial capital.
As of 2024, Phoenix has a population of approximately 1.67 million people within the city limits, making it the fifth-largest city in the United States. The greater Phoenix metropolitan area has a population of approximately 4.78 million people, showing the region's continued growth.
Phoenix's economy is diverse with major industries including healthcare, aerospace and defense, technology and semiconductors, retail, manufacturing, and construction. Key employers include Banner Health, Intel, Honeywell Aerospace, Amazon, and various state government agencies. The city is experiencing significant growth in semiconductor manufacturing due to major investments from TSMC and other tech companies.
Top attractions include the Arizona Science Center (350+ interactive exhibits), the Musical Instrument Museum (15,000+ instruments), Desert Botanical Garden (50,000+ plants), Phoenix Zoo, Heard Museum (Native American art), hiking Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park (50 miles of trails), and numerous adventure activities including hot air ballooning and white water rafting on the Salt River.
The best time to visit Phoenix is October through April when temperatures are mild and pleasant, typically ranging from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. During these months, outdoor activities like hiking, hot air ballooning, and desert exploration are most enjoyable. Summer months (June-September) are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees, though indoor attractions like museums and restaurants remain popular.
Phoenix operates under a council-manager form of government, which it adopted in 1913 as one of the first cities in the United States to use this system. Today, it operates the largest municipal government of this type in the country. The city is governed by a Mayor and eight City Council members, each serving four-year terms. Council members are elected by voters in their respective districts, while the mayor is elected citywide.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the primary gateway, offering domestic and international flights. The airport is located just south of downtown Phoenix with easy access to the city via rental cars, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. For detailed information about airlines and airports, visit the
Arizona airports page.
Phoenix is served by the Phoenix Union High School District and various charter schools. For higher education, visit
Arizona Colleges and Universities for comprehensive information about universities, community colleges, trade schools, and online degree programs available in the Phoenix area and throughout Arizona.
Arizona State Resources