List of Counties in Arizona
Arizona has 15 counties. The most populous counties are Maricopa County (Phoenix and surrounding areas), Pima County (Tucson), Pinal County, Yavapai County, Yuma County, Mohave County, Coconino County, Cochise County, Navajo County, and Apache County. Maricopa County is by far the largest, encompassing the Phoenix metropolitan area, which houses over 60% of the state’s population. Pima County is the second largest and includes Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city.
List of All Counties in Arizona
- Apache County, Arizona
- Cochise County, Arizona
- Coconino County, Arizona
- Gila County, Arizona
- Graham County, Arizona
- Greenlee County, Arizona
- La Paz County, Arizona
- Maricopa County, Arizona
- Mohave County, Arizona
- Navajo County, Arizona
- Pima County, Arizona
- Pinal County, Arizona
- Santa Cruz County, Arizona
- Yavapai County, Arizona
- Yuma County, Arizona
1. Coconino County
Overview
Coconino County, located in the northern part of Arizona, is the largest county in the state by land area and one of the largest in the United States. It is bordered by Mohave County to the west, Navajo and Apache counties to the east, and Yavapai County to the south. Geographically, Coconino County is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including the high-altitude Colorado Plateau, pine forests, deserts, and the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff, the county seat, is a gateway to several natural wonders, including the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. The county’s economy benefits from tourism, outdoor recreation, and education, with Northern Arizona University based in Flagstaff. Coconino County was established in 1891 from parts of Yavapai County and has since been a central hub for natural tourism in Arizona.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 150,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Flagstaff
- Major Airports: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
- Major Highways: I-17, I-40, US-89, US-180
2. Pima County
Overview
Pima County is located in southern Arizona, bordering Mexico to the south and bordered by Pinal County to the north and Santa Cruz County to the southeast. The county is home to Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona and its county seat. Tucson is a significant cultural and economic hub in the state, boasting the University of Arizona and a rich history tied to both Native American and Spanish colonial roots. The county’s geography includes desert landscapes, the Sonoran Desert, and mountain ranges like the Santa Catalina Mountains. Pima County’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as education, aerospace, and tourism playing major roles. The county was one of Arizona’s four original counties when it was formed in 1864.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1,060,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Tucson
- Major Airports: Tucson International Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, I-19, US-86, US-89, AZ-77
3. Maricopa County
Overview
Maricopa County is located in central Arizona and is the most populous county in the state, home to nearly two-thirds of Arizona’s residents. It is bordered by Pinal County to the southeast and Yavapai County to the north. The county seat is Phoenix, the state capital and the fifth-largest city in the U.S. Maricopa County’s economy is vast and varied, driven by sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Geographically, it is part of the Salt River Valley, with the Sonoran Desert stretching across much of its landscape. The county was established in 1871, and over the past century, it has grown rapidly due to its favorable climate, strong economy, and influx of new residents.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 4,600,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Phoenix
- Major Airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, I-17, US-60, Loop 101, Loop 202
4. Mohave County
Overview
Mohave County is located in the northwestern corner of Arizona, bordered by Nevada to the west, California to the southwest, and Utah to the north. The county is known for its vast desert landscapes, including portions of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado River, which forms much of its western boundary. Kingman, the county seat, is a key stop along historic Route 66 and is located near the Black Mountains and Hualapai Mountains. Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with Lake Havasu and the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument attracting visitors from around the world. Established in 1864, Mohave County is one of Arizona’s original counties, and its history is deeply tied to mining and the development of the American West.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 220,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Kingman
- Major Airports: Kingman Airport, Lake Havasu City Airport
- Major Highways: I-40, US-93, AZ-68, AZ-95
5. Yavapai County
Overview
Yavapai County is located in central Arizona and is bordered by Coconino County to the north, Maricopa County to the south, and Mohave County to the west. Prescott, the county seat, is a historic city that once served as the capital of the Arizona Territory. The county’s geography is diverse, with landscapes ranging from desert plains to forested mountains. Yavapai County is known for its mild climate, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, retirement communities, and tourism. Prescott National Forest and the Bradshaw Mountains are notable natural features within the county. Established in 1864, Yavapai County was one of Arizona’s original four counties, and it played a significant role during the early development of the Arizona Territory.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 240,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Prescott
- Major Airports: Prescott Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-17, US-89, US-93, AZ-69, AZ-89A
6. Pinal County
Overview
Pinal County is located in central Arizona, bordered by Maricopa County to the north and Pima County to the south. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state due to its proximity to both the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Casa Grande and Florence, the county seat, are two of its major cities, with Florence being historically significant as a 19th-century town tied to Arizona’s early territorial history. The county’s landscape is largely desert, but it also includes parts of the Superstition Mountains. Pinal County’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, mining, and, more recently, manufacturing and real estate due to the rapid suburban expansion from the Phoenix area. The county was established in 1875 and has since been a bridge between Arizona’s two largest urban centers.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 465,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Florence
- Major Airports: Casa Grande Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, I-8, US-60, AZ-77
7. Apache County
Overview
Apache County is located in northeastern Arizona, bordering New Mexico to the east. It is home to a significant portion of the Navajo Nation, which extends into neighboring states. The county’s geography is marked by the high desert and the White Mountains, making it a region of stunning natural beauty. The county seat, St. Johns, is a small town that serves as a gateway to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Established in 1879, Apache County has a strong indigenous cultural influence, with much of its population living on tribal lands. The county’s economy is supported by government services, tourism, and ranching.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 65,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: St. Johns
- Major Airports: St. Johns Industrial Air Park
- Major Highways: US-60, US-191, AZ-61
8. Navajo County
Overview
Navajo County is located in northeastern Arizona, bordered by Apache County to the east and Coconino County to the west. The county includes part of the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Reservation, giving it a significant Native American population. Holbrook, the county seat, is a historic town along Route 66 and serves as the administrative center for the county. Navajo County is known for its dramatic landscapes, including portions of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. The county’s economy is largely driven by government services, tourism, and agriculture. Established in 1895, Navajo County has a rich history, with influences from Native American cultures and early settlers.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 110,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Holbrook
- Major Airports: Show Low Regional Airport, Holbrook Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-40, US-60, US-191, AZ-77
9. Cochise County
Overview
Cochise County is located in southeastern Arizona, bordering Mexico to the south and New Mexico to the east. The county seat, Bisbee, is a historic mining town nestled in the Mule Mountains. Cochise County is known for its rich history, particularly during the late 19th century when it was a hotspot for mining and the Wild West. The county’s geography is diverse, featuring desert landscapes, mountain ranges like the Chiricahua Mountains, and riparian areas. Today, Cochise County’s economy is supported by agriculture, tourism, and military activities at Fort Huachuca. Established in 1881, the county has preserved much of its Old West heritage, with towns like Tombstone attracting visitors from around the world.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 130,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bisbee
- Major Airports: Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, Bisbee Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, US-191, AZ-90, AZ-80
10. Yuma County
Overview
Yuma County is located in southwestern Arizona, bordering California to the west and Mexico to the south. Yuma, the county seat, is known for its hot desert climate and historical significance as a crossing point along the Colorado River. The county’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly the production of winter vegetables, as the region has one of the longest growing seasons in the country. Yuma County is also an important military center, with both the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground located in the region. Established in 1864, Yuma County has a rich history tied to its role as a transportation hub during the westward expansion of the United States.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 230,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Yuma
- Major Airports: Yuma International Airport
- Major Highways: I-8, US-95, AZ-195