With a population of over 84,000 as of the 2020 census, Avondale, Arizona is a mid-sized city located in Maricopa County. Part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Avondale lies just west of Phoenix proper and is considered one of the suburbs of the Valley of the Sun.
History
Avondale was founded in the late 1800s as a farming community. The city was named after Avondale, Pennsylvania and many of the early settlers migrated from the Midwest looking for a new start. The rich soil and irrigation canals allowed Avondale to prosper as an agricultural hub up through the first half of the 20th century.
After World War II, Avondale began to shift away from its agricultural roots. As the Phoenix metropolitan area expanded, Avondale became more of a suburban bedroom community for those working in Phoenix. Still, reminders of its past remain in the form of historic buildings like the Guest-Gibson House which dates back to 1912.
Geography and Climate
Avondale is located in the Salt River Valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Estrella Mountains border Avondale to the south while the White Tank Mountains lie to the west. This rugged yet beautiful mountainous terrain makes an ideal backdrop for Avondale’s residential neighborhoods.
The city has a hot desert climate typical of the Sonoran Desert with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures in the summer months exceed 100°F while winter highs are in the 60s and 70s. Rainfall is sparse in Avondale, with less than 9 inches of precipitation annually.
Demographics
According to census data, Avondale has grown rapidly in recent decades. From 1990 to 2000 the population nearly doubled and growth remained strong through 2010. The 2020 census counted 84,025 residents in Avondale, making it the 11th largest city in Arizona.
Avondale is ethnically diverse with over 50% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city also has sizable white and Native American populations. Nearly a quarter of Avondale households speak Spanish at home according to census figures.
Economy and Major Employers
While no longer dependent on agriculture, Avondale’s economy still leans heavily on transportation and distribution industries. The city is home to over 17 million square feet of industrial space and has excellent highway access which supports distribution activity.
Some of the top employers in Avondale are:
- Amazon
- PetSmart
- Shamrock Foods
- McKesson
- CoreCivic
- Walmart Distribution Center
Manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail trade also provide many jobs for Avondale residents. The city’s median household income is $66,382 showing the strong local economy.
Parks and Recreation
Avondale takes pride in its wide array of parks, recreation centers, sports fields, and outdoor spaces. The Avondale Recreation and Community Services Department operates over 1,200 acres of parkland across the city in addition to pools, sports courts, and the like.
One of the most popular parks is Estrella Mountain Regional Park which covers over 19,000 acres southwest of the city. It provides opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more. The park centers around the 2,992-foot Estrella Mountain which offers panoramic views of the entire Valley.
Education
Public education in Avondale falls under the jurisdiction of the Avondale Elementary School District and the Agua Fria Union High School District. The city has over a dozen public and charter schools serving grades K-12. Several major colleges and universities have locations in Avondale as well including University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Pima Medical Institute.
Points of Interest
Some of the top attractions that draw visitors to Avondale include:
- Roosevelt Lake and Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area – A popular lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and observing wildlife like bald eagles.
- Festival Fields – A 100-acre complex with sports fields, a skate park, dog park, ramada, and more.
- Camelback Mountain – An iconic Phoenix-area landmark offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic views.
- Avondale Historic Buildings – Historic structures like the Guest-Gibson House provide a window into Avondale’s early history.
- ISM Raceway – A major motorsports venue hosting NASCAR races annually.
Avondale Today
While just a small farming community a century ago, present-day Avondale is a thriving suburb supporting over 84,000 residents. The city has maintained its small-town charm even as it has grown exponentially in recent decades. Home to major employers like Amazon yet surrounded by rugged natural landscapes, Avondale offers an appealing mix of economic opportunity, recreational amenities, and Southwest living.
With a business-friendly municipal government, top-rated schools, and engaged, community-minded populace, Avondale appears poised for continued prosperity in the 21st century. The future looks bright for this city on the rise!