Maricopa County had nation’s largest population growth last year

PHOENIX – More people have been moving to Maricopa County than any other county in the nation, according to data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Maricopa County’s population grew by 58,246 to 4,496,588 over the 12 months ending July 1, 2021, far more than any other county. Next on the list was Collin County, Texas, with 36,313.

The growth in Maricopa County was fueled by nation-leading domestic migration numbers, with 46,866 more people within the U.S. moving in than out.

Maricopa County is the nation’s fourth-most populous county, behind Los Angeles, Cook (Chicago area) and Harris (Houston area).

Los Angeles County remained the largest by far, with a population of 9,829,544, despite a nation-high net loss of 184,465 residents last year.

When looking at population for metropolitan regions, the Valley was No. 2 in numeric growth, trailing only Dallas-Fort Worth, which increased by 97,290 residents.

The population in Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs grew by 78,220 to 4,946,145, with a nation-high domestic migration increase of 66,850.

Of the nation’s 10 largest metro areas, Phoenix was one of four to see its population increase, joining Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta.

The Phoenix growth, with a nation-high domestic migration increase of 66,850, was driven by moves from elsewhere in the U.S., while it was propelled by a combination of migration and births outpacing deaths in Dallas and Houston.

The Valley’s natural increase from births accounted for a very small share of its growth — around 10%.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923