The county’s population increased by 1.3% from July 2021 to July 2022 with the addition of 56,831 new residents, according to the US Census Bureau. This was the largest gain in residents across the United States. Residents have continued moving out of places like California and relocating to Arizona, which has more affordable housing options in and around Phoenix. 

In addition, major industries have continued to expand in the Phoenix metro in recent years, bringing with them thousands of employees and related companies. In the past decade, electric vehicle, semiconductor and battery manufacturers have expanded or built factories in Arizona. In its fiscal year 2022 report, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council said the Phoenix region saw 55 businesses make plans to move or expand to the Valley, representing nearly 11,000 new jobs with average high wage salary at $75,847.

The Phoenix area was also listed as the fourth most populated in 2022 with 4.5 million residents behind Los Angeles County, Cook County in Illinois and Harris County in Texas.