Established: Feb 14, 1871 Population: apprx 3,200,000 Budget: $2.5 Billion (02-03) Size: 9,226 square miles 4th most populous county in US 14th largest county in the US

Most of what is now Maricopa County was included as part of the Territory of New Mexico until 1863, when the Arizona Territory was established. The growth of Phoenix and other settlements along the Salt River resulted in the creation of Maricopa County - officially established on February 14, 1871. It was the first new county of the original four counties of Territorial Arizona. The County was named in honor of the Maricopa Indians, who were known to have inhabited the area as early as 1775. Maricopa County´s outer geographical boundaries were set in 1881 and have not changed since.


POPULATION

Maricopa County has a population of over 3,200,000 people (2002). It is the fourth most populous county in the nation, and is home to more people than 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Projected Growth

SIZE

Maricopa County has a land area of 9,226 square miles, of which 1,441 square miles are incorporated (15.6 percent) and 7,785 square miles are unincorporated (84.4 percent). It is the fifth largest of Arizona's 15 counties, and the 14th largest county in the United States. Maricopa County is larger than seven states and the District of Columbia. The county measures 132 miles from east to west and 103 miles from north to south. Twenty-four cities and towns are located within Maricopa County's outer boundaries.

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All information courtesy www.maricopa.gov -- your tax dollars at work.