With a population of 195,805 as of 2022, Tempe, Arizona is one of the larger cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the state overall. Located in Maricopa County, Tempe lies on the north bank of the Salt River and is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe to the west, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to the north, Chandler to the south, and Mesa to the east.
History and Origins
The history of Tempe dates back to the 1860s when settler Charles Trumbull Hayden established a ferry service crossing the Salt River. The town was named Tempe after the Vale of Tempe near Mount Olympus in Greece. For a time Tempe served as the territorial capital of Arizona. The establishment of Arizona Normal School, now Arizona State University, in 1885 helped propel Tempe’s growth in the early 20th century. Today ASU continues to shape Tempe as the largest public university in the metropolitan area with over 50,000 students enrolled.
Demographics and Population Growth
According to recent estimates from the United States Census Bureau, Tempe has a population of 195,805 residents as of 2022. This represents a significant increase from previous decades. In 1990, for example, Tempe’s population stood at 141,865 showing a growth of over 38% in three decades. Going further back, in 1960 the city had a population of 33,229 demonstrating the rapid expansion Tempe has experienced in the latter half of the 20th century.
Tempe is currently the 9th largest city in Arizona and the 169th largest city in the United States. Population density is approximately 4,058 residents per square mile reflecting Tempe’s urbanized downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The racial makeup of Tempe is 62.4% White, 16.5% Hispanic/Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.8% Black, 4.5% Two or More Races, 2.4% Native American, and 0.4% Pacific Islander.
Economy and Major Employers
Tempe has a diverse economy anchored by high-tech manufacturing and research, finance, government services, and healthcare. Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Tempe including Insight Enterprises, Republic Services, Best Western, and Mobile Mini. Arizona State University is the largest employer with over 15,000 faculty and staff. Other major employers include financial services company State Farm, Limelight Networks, Benchmark Electronics, Wells Fargo, Discount Tire, and Edward Jones Investments.
Due to its proximity to Phoenix and location in the Sun Corridor connecting Tucson and Phoenix, Tempe has developed prominent technology centers and business parks including Rio Salado Center, Tempe Tech Corridor, and Tempe Gateway. These areas are home to tech companies like GoDaddy, Avalara, Zenefits, Weebly, and DoubleBeam. Overall, Tempe has a strong and diverse economy poised for continued growth.
Attractions and Tourism
In addition to Arizona State University, Tempe is home to several major attractions drawing tourists and visitors throughout the year. These include Tempe Town Lake, a human-made reservoir perfect for recreational activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing, and Tempe Center for the Arts, a modern performance hall hosting concerts, theater, and other cultural events.
Tempe is also known for its historic neighborhoods like the Downtown Tempe arts and entertainment district filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Papago Park with hiking trails up Red Butte and around Tempe Butte. Sports fans can catch Arizona State Sun Devils games or Arizona Diamondbacks spring training at Diablo Stadium. Popular annual events include the Tempe Festival of the Arts and Ironman Arizona Triathlon.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Tempe enjoys excellent transportation infrastructure as part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located just 5 miles from downtown Tempe providing direct flights across the country and globe. Tempe is connected regionally through several major highways and freeways including Interstate 10, US 60, Loop 101, and Loop 202.
Public transportation options include the metro Valley Metro bus system and Valley Metro Rail with a stop in downtown Tempe. Tempe also has over 133 miles of bike lanes and paths making cycling a popular option. Overall, Tempe’s central location and connectivity make it easily accessible.
Parks and Recreation
Tempe maintains over 30 parks offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and community events. Signature parks include Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Beach Park with water play areas along the lakefront, and Kiwanis Park home to large picnic ramadas and sports fields. The city also operates five community centers, two public pools, and the Edna Vihel Activities Center catering to active seniors.
Popular outdoor attractions managed by Tempe include the Tempe Sports Complex with baseball and softball fields, tennis centers, and pro shop. Papago and Rolling Hills Golf Courses offer 36-holes of championship golf. Tempe is also home to several professional sports teams including the Los Angeles Angels and Arizona Coyotes.
Education
Residents of Tempe have access to excellent educational opportunities. The city is served by multiple public school districts including Tempe Elementary School District, Tempe Union High School District, Kyrene Elementary School District, and Mesa Public Schools. Tempe is also home to several charter and private schools.
At the center of education in Tempe is Arizona State University which enrolls over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its multiple campuses in the metro area. ASU helps attract many high-tech, research, and knowledge-based businesses to Tempe and is a major driver of innovation and economic growth.
Living in Tempe
Known for its thriving downtown, beautiful parks, and proximity to Phoenix, Tempe is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in America. Tempe offers a warm climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Housing options range from urban high-rises to suburban single-family homes. The historic Mill Avenue district features lively restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
With its expanding job market, excellent schools, and abundance of amenities, Tempe provides an outstanding quality of life. The city offers a vibrant blend of urban energy and outdoor recreation ideal for professionals, families, and students alike.