Maricopa County

Administrative district in south-central Arizona; area 23,639 sq km/9,127 sq mi, population (1990) 2,122,100. Almost 60% of Arizona's population are resident in the county, which has its seat at Phoenix.

The McDowell Mountains and parts of the Mazatzal Mountains lie in the northeast of Maricopa County. Along the Salt, Gila, Santa Cruz, Verde, and Agua Fria rivers, irrigated farmland produces cotton, citrus fruits, figs, alfalfa, lettuce, and market garden produce. There are also a number of ranches and resorts throughout the county. However, the city of Phoenix and its suburbs located in the Valley of the Sun – including Mesa, Glendale, and Peoria – dominate the economy of both the county and the state.