Peoria

by The Linguist

With a population of over 175,000 as of 2022, Peoria, Arizona is one of the largest cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 1886, Peoria was originally an agricultural community but has since become a hub for high-tech manufacturing and health care. The city’s population grew rapidly in the 1990s and 2000s, with an 83% increase between 1990 and 2000.

Demographics and Population

According to the city government’s website, Peoria’s population is currently estimated at around 178,000 residents. With its rapid growth over the past few decades, Peoria has become the sixth largest city in Arizona. The city has a relatively young population, with a median age of 36.2 years old. Peoria is ethnically diverse, with over 22% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city’s population continues to grow at a fast rate, with projections estimating the population could exceed 243,000 by 2030.

Economy and Major Employers

Peoria has a robust and diverse economy, with major industries including manufacturing, health care, retail, tourism, and construction. Some of the top employers in Peoria are:

  • Banner Health – a non-profit health system and the largest private employer in Arizona.
  • Walmart – the nation’s largest retailer, with multiple locations in Peoria.
  • Peoria Unified School District – the city’s public school system.
  • Humana – a health insurance provider with a large campus in Peoria.
  • Sub-Zero Group – a manufacturer of kitchen appliances with a facility in Peoria.

Other major companies with a large presence in Peoria include General Dynamics, Luke Air Force Base, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and Arrowhead Honda. Luke Air Force Base and its related industries have an especially significant economic impact on the city. Overall, Peoria has successfully attracted a range of industries that provide stability and diversity to the local economy.

Attractions and Landmarks

Peoria has several notable attractions and landmarks that highlight the city’s natural beauty, sports culture, and history:

  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park – A recreational area with boating, fishing, hiking, and camping located northwest of Peoria on Lake Pleasant.
  • Surprise Stadium – The spring training facility for the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals MLB teams, located in Surprise just outside Peoria.
  • Rio Vista Recreation Area – A park with athletic fields, golf, and nature areas situated along the Agua Fria River.
  • New River Trail – A nearly 15 mile long trail system for hiking and biking that runs through Peoria along the New River.

In addition to outdoor activities, Peoria has vibrant performing arts and live entertainment attractions. The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts and theater productions, while the city’s Sports Complex showcases sporting events year-round.

Sports Teams and Events

Peoria is home to one major professional sports team:

  • The Phoenix Suns NBA team plays basketball games at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, about 30 minutes from Peoria.

In addition, Peoria hosts several spring training facilities and teams:

The city also has many youth, high school, college, and adult recreational sports leagues across a variety of sports like baseball, volleyball, basketball, and more.

Living in Peoria

Known as the “Playground of the Southwest,” Peoria offers residents an exceptional quality of life. The city has top-rated schools, beautiful residential communities, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a vibrant local economy. With its rapid growth, Peoria has worked extensively to expand infrastructure and amenities to keep pace with development. The city has invested heavily in roads, parks, public safety, recreation, and community services to continue to make Peoria a great place to live, work, and play.