Phoenix is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Arizona, located in the Sonoran Desert. The city has a population estimated at 1,705,680 inhabitants (2026 estimate). Founded in 1867 near the remains of ancient Hohokam canals, Phoenix developed as an agricultural center before expanding rapidly in the 20th century due to air conditioning, irrigation, and economic diversification. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States and a major hub for finance, technology, and tourism.
Notable landmarks include the Desert Botanical Garden, the Camelback Mountain, and the Heard Museum. Phoenix has also been the birthplace of several prominent figures, including politician John McCain, singer Stevie Nicks, and actress Emma Stone.
Phoenix in United States
112.1° W
Phoenix Population Evolution
The population of Phoenix in 2026 is estimated to 1,705,680 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 240 | |
| 1910 | 11,314 | +4,614.2% |
| 1950 | 106,818 | +844.1% |
| 1990 | 983,403 | +820.6% |
| 2024 | 1,673,164 | +70.1% |
Interactive Map of Phoenix
What to see in Phoenix
Mortgage Matchup Center
Arizona State Capitol
Phoenix Art Museum
Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude
Rosson House
museumMystery Castle
architectural landmarkSt. Mary's Basilica
churchHeard Museum
nonprofit organizationMain parks in Phoenix
| Name | Area (ha) | Area (acres) | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papago Park | 605.0 | 1,495.0 | — |
| Desert Botanical Garden | 57.0 | 140.8 | 1939 |
| Phoenix Zoo | 51.0 | 126.0 | 1962 |
Famous People Born in Phoenix
John McCain
politicianAmerican politician
Stevie Nicks
singerLynda Carter
screenwriterAmerican actress, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder
Chester Bennington
actorCristie Kerr
golferprofessional golfer
Emma Stone
actorAmerican actress and producer
Sister Cities of Phoenix
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, are formal partnerships between cities in different countries to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 20,937,757 |
| Taipei | 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 2,442,991 |
| Prague | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 1,397,880 |
| Calgary | 🇨🇦 Canada | 1,306,784 |
| Suwon | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 1,234,300 |
| Hermosillo | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 855,563 |
| Himeji | 🇯🇵 Japan | 527,596 |
| Catania | 🇮🇹 Italy | 311,584 |
| Ramat Gan | 🇮🇱 Israel | 159,200 |
| Grenoble | 🇫🇷 France | 156,140 |
| Ennis | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 24,253 |
Learn more about Phoenix
Other facts about Phoenix
Sources & References
- Wikidata
- United States Census Bureau (accessed on 16 March 2026)