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Arizona

State Motto

Ditat Deus (God enriches)

State Motto of Arizona

Arizona State Information

Arizona is the 48th State in the Union

Arizona, located in the southwestern U.S., is a state with a wide range of landscapes, from vast deserts to lush forests and snow-capped mountains. One of its most famous features is the Grand Canyon, a breathtaking gorge carved by the Colorado River. Arizona’s climate is marked by hot summers and mild winters, which makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities year-round.

The state also has a rich Native American history, with several indigenous tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi, playing a significant role in its culture. Phoenix, the state’s capital, is one of the largest cities in the U.S. and is the economic and cultural center of Arizona. With a thriving arts scene, vibrant cities, and a blend of old and new traditions, Arizona offers a dynamic experience for anyone who visits or lives there.

What's in a name?

Named after the Spanish 'árida zona,' meaning 'arid zone' or 'dry place.'

State Nickname of Arizona

Arizona Geography

Map of the State of Arizona

Download maps of Arizona

Area: 113,990 sq mi (295,234 km²), 6th
Highest Point: Humphreys Peak; 12,637 ft (1,174 m), 12th
Lowest Point: Colorado River; 70 ft (7 m)
Bordering States: California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
Counties: Counties of Arizona
Cities: Cities of Arizona
Area Codes: Area Codes of Arizona
Zip Codes: Zip Codes of Arizona

Arizona is a state known for its striking and varied landscapes. It’s home to vast deserts, including the famous Sonoran Desert, with its distinctive saguaro cacti, as well as the colorful Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, also lies within the state, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

Arizona’s geography spans from the high peaks of the San Francisco Mountains in the north to the flat, desert terrain in the south. The state experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and mild winters, making it a prime destination for outdoor activities, hiking, and those who love the beauty of desert landscapes.

Arizona Economy

Arizona’s economy is a dynamic mix of industries that has changed a lot over the years. While it was once heavily focused on agriculture and mining, the state has evolved into a more service-driven and tech-focused economy. Key sectors today include aerospace and defense, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing, with major companies like Boeing, Raytheon, and Intel making a significant impact.

Arizona’s natural beauty, including attractions like the Grand Canyon, brings millions of tourists every year, which helps support the hospitality and leisure industries. The state is also becoming a leader in solar energy production and research, and its growing tech sector continues to drive economic growth. However, Arizona does face challenges like water scarcity in its dry regions and the need to further diversify its economy.

Agriculture

Top 3 crops / livestock for Arizona

  • Cotton
  • Hay
  • Lettuce

Industry

Top 3 industries for Arizona

  • Technology
  • Aerospace
  • Healthcare

Arizona at a Glance

Key facts about Arizona covering taxes, cost of living, income, and climate.

Taxes

Arizona levies a flat income tax rate of 2.50% on all taxable income. Residents carry a moderate overall tax burden of 8.20% of income, and the combined state and local sales tax averages 8.37%.

Overall Tax Burden

Income Tax: 2.50% (flat rate)
Overall Tax Burden: 8.20% of income
State Sales Tax: 5.60% (8.37% avg combined with local)
Property Tax Rate: 0.62% effective rate
Gas Tax: 19.00¢ per gallon
Estate Tax: No

Cost of Living & Housing

Arizona has a cost of living close to the national average, with an index of 102.20. The median home price is $418,000.

Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living Index: 102.20 (US avg = 100)
Median Home Price: $418,000
Median Monthly Rent: $1,350/mo

Income & Employment

Arizona's median household income of $72,581 is near the national average. The unemployment rate of 4.00% is near the national average, and the poverty rate of 12.80% is above the national average.

Median Household Income

Median Household Income: $72,581
Minimum Wage: $14.35/hr
Unemployment Rate: 4.00%
Poverty Rate: 12.80%

Climate

Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country with an average of 193 sunny days per year. Winters are cool at 54.0°F in January, warming to 93.0°F in July, and snow is rare.

Sunny Days / Year

Sunny Days / Year: 193 days
Avg January Temp: 54.0°F
Avg July Temp: 93.0°F
Annual Rainfall: 13.60"
Annual Snowfall: 0.30"

Demographics

Arizona has a relatively young population with a median age of 38.3. Population density is 64.5 people per square mile, and the population is growing rapidly at 1.70% per year.

Median Age

Median Age: 38.3 years
Population Density: 64.5 per sq mi
Population Growth: 1.70% (last census)

Arizona State Symbols

State Flag

State Flag of Arizona

State Seal

State Seal of Arizona

State Quarter

State Quarter of Arizona

State Bird

State Bird of ArizonaCactus Wren

State Flower

State Flower of ArizonaSaguaro Cactus Blossom

State Tree

State Tree of ArizonaPalo Verde

State Mammal

State Mammal of ArizonaRingtail Cat

State Quizzes & Flashcards

Test your knowledge of the 50 states of the USA with these fun, interactive quizzes and flashcards designed for students, teachers, and curious learners of all ages. Practice identifying state names, locations, capitals, flags, and regions while building confidence in U.S. geography. These engaging learning tools are perfect for classroom use, homeschooling, test prep, or casual study, making it easy to learn the United States in an enjoyable and memorable way.

Fee USA Maps

Download and print hundreds of U.S. state maps for learning, teaching, and reference. Each state map is available in high-quality PDF format and includes versions with capitals and major cities labeled, as well as blank maps for quizzes, worksheets, and practice. Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, students, and geography enthusiasts, these printable state maps make it easy to study locations, test knowledge, and explore every state in the USA. Visit FreeVectorMaps.com for thousands of free world, country and USA maps. View all USA Maps

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Ted Grajeda

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The 50 United States is a Ted Grajeda project created to provide everyone with a fun and interactive way to learn about the great 50 states of the USA. Learn more