Maricopa County, Arizona

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Maricopa County, Arizona
Seal of Maricopa County, Arizona
Map
Map of Arizona highlighting Maricopa County
Location in the state of Arizona
Statistics
Formed February 14, 1871
Seat Phoenix
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water
23,891 km² (9,224 mi²)
23,836 km² (9,203 mi²)
55 km² (21 mi²), 0.23%
Population
 - (2005)
 - Density
3,635,528
153/km² 
Website: www.maricopa.gov

Maricopa /ˌmɛ.ɹəˈko.pə/ County is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. As of July, 2005 its population was 3,635,528, which ranks fourth among the nation's counties. [1]. The county seat is Phoenix. The center of population of Arizona is located in Maricopa County, in the town of Gilbert [1].

There are several Indian reservations located in the county. The largest of these are the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (East of Scottsdale) and the Gila River Indian Community (South of Phoenix).

Contents

[edit] Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 23,891 km² (9,224 mi²). 23,836 km² (9,203 mi²) of it is land and 55 km² (21 mi²) of it (0.23%) is water.

[edit] Adjacent Counties

[edit] Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 3,072,149 people, 1,132,886 households, and 763,565 families residing in the county. The population density was 129/km² (334/mi²). There were 1,250,231 housing units at an average density of 52/km² (136/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.35% White (66.22% non-Hispanic), 3.73% Black or African American, 1.85% Native American, 2.16% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 11.86% from other races, and 2.91% from two or more races. 24.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,132,886 households out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.21.

The age distribution is 27.00% under the age of 18, 10.20% from 18 to 24, 31.40% from 25 to 44, 19.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,358, and the median income for a family was $51,827. Males had a median income of $36,858 versus $28,703 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,251. About 8.00% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.40% of those under age 18 and 7.40% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Politics

Presidential elections results
Year Republican Democratic
2004 57.0% 679,455 42.3% 504,849
2000 53.2% 479,967 42.9% 386,683
1996 47.2% 386,015 44.5% 363,015
1992 41.4% 360,049 32.6% 285,457
1988 64.9% 442,337 33.9% 230,952
1984 72.0% 411,902 27.1% 154,833
1980 65.0% 316,287 34.5% 119,752
1976 61.7% 258,262 35.3% 144,613
1972 69.3% 244,593 27.0% 95,135
1968 59.1% 161,262 31.4% 86,204
1964 53.9% 143,114 46.0% 122,042
1960 59.4% 127,090 40.6% 86,834

Maricopa County is one of the most conservative urban areas in the country. While the city of Phoenix leans Democratic, the rest of the county tends to vote heavily Republican. Every Republican Presidential candidate has won Maricopa County since 1948.

However, despite it's Republican lean, the county isn't overly conservative. Maricopa County voted against the referendum banning gay marriage in 2006 by a slim 51%-49% margin. However, Maricopa made the difference statewide, as Arizona became the first state to reject a ban on gay marriage by a 51%-49% margin that year. Maricopa County's vote against the ban made the difference.

The County Board of Supervisors consists of five members chosen by popular vote within their own districts. Currently the Board consists of four Republicans, each representing districts in the more affluent or conservative districts of the county, and one Democrat, representing the largest district. Each member serves for a period of four years. The Board of Supervisors acts in the capacity of both legislative and executive authority for the county within the statutes and powers prescribed by Arizona state law. Chair of the Board is held by one member for a period of one year, rotating between the members. Due to the political nature of the Board, the duties of Chair are typically not rotated to the minority party member.

The sheriff's position is also elected by popular vote, the current sheriff is Joe Arpaio, labeled "America's Toughest Sheriff" due to his tough, unique, and often controversial management of his office.

[edit] Cities and towns

[edit] See also

List of Arizona counties

[edit] References

  1. ^ US county census URL accessed August 14, 2006


v • d • e
Metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona, the Valley of the Sun

Central City: Phoenix
Largest suburbs (over 100,000 in 2000): Chandler • Gilbert • Glendale • Mesa • Peoria • Scottsdale • Surprise • Tempe
Other suburbs and towns (over 10,000 in 2000): Anthem • Apache Junction • Avondale • Buckeye • Casa Grande • Eloy • Florence • Fountain Hills • Goodyear • Gold Canyon • Maricopa • New River • Paradise Valley • Queen Creek • Sun City • Sun City West • Sun Lakes
Smaller suburbs and towns (less than 10,000 in 2000): Black Canyon City • Carefree • Cave Creek • Coolidge • El Mirage • Gila Bend • Guadalupe • Litchfield Park • Luke Air Force Base • Superior • Tolleson • Wickenburg • Youngtown
Counties: Maricopa • Pinal • Yavapai

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