This is when Maricopa’s population will double

If you thought Maricopa’s traffic was bad now, just wait 36 years.

Maricopa’s population could more than double by 2060, according to projections from the Maricopa Association of Governments.

MAG last year published population projections for cities and towns in Pinal and Maricopa Counties based on municipal planning areas. Planning area maps illustrate how the population is expected to explode over the next few decades.

So, how do Maricopa and its neighbors stack up?

Maricopa’s population to double

Current estimates based on 2020 U.S. Census data put Maricopa’s population at about 74,000.

According to MAG’s socioeconomic projections report, Maricopa’s population is expected to top 159,000 by 2060. That’s a 115% increase from the city’s current population.

With that increase, Maricopa’s 2060 population would be about the same as present-day Surprise.

That kind of growth could also bring more jobs to the city, especially skilled jobs. The report also noted an estimated 288% increase in local jobs, growing from 8,400 today to more than 32,600 by 2060.

Outlook across the county

Maricopa’s neighbors in Pinal County anticipate huge growth as well.

For example, Casa Grande expects its 2060 population to reach 153,000, a 137% increase. Eloy anticipates a 700% increase and Coolidge a whopping 850% increase.

Overall, the maps and reports showed Pinal County is expected to grow from 428,000 in 2020 to more than 1.23 million by 2060. That is a 187% population increase across the county.

During the same time, Maricopa County may see a 47% population increase, with growth anticipated to rise from its current 4.4 million to 6.5 million in 2060.