38 Facts About Arizona

When people think of the state of Arizona, most immediately go to the warm winters and hot summers. Though there is a lot more amazing things the state has to offer. With adventures to be had every weekend, like heading to the water park. Or trying a new restaurant. There is always something to do. But it’s also important to know there is much more to this amazing state. So today we’re sharing some cool facts to know about the Grand Canyon State that you might not know. And maybe it will help persuade you to call this amazing state home.

And while you’re here, be sure to check out Market Apartments to find your next dream apartment.

Population

1. The total population of Arizona is 7.582 million people.
2. This makes the state the 14^rd most populous state in the United States.
3. Phoenix is the largest city in the state with 1.65 million people.
4. The smallest town, Winkelman, sits in Gila and Pinal Counties, with a population of 353.

The Basics

• Arizona’s state flower is the Saguaro.
• The state tree is the Palo Verde.
• The state motto is Ditat Deus, Latin for “God Enriches.”
• The Arizona state animal is the Ringtail.
• The state bird for Arizona is the Cactus Wren.
• Arizona’s state fish is the Apache Trout.
• The state reptile of Arizona is the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake.

Names

1. The name Arizona comes from the Spanish name, Arizonac. It means “Small Spring.”
2. There are several nicknames for Arizona, though only one is official.
3. One unofficial state name, “The Copper State,” comes from the abundance of copper in the state.
4. And the official nickname, “The Grand Canyon State,” because of the importance of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon

1. In 1919, under President Woodrow Wilson, the Grand Canyon became a national park.
2. The Grand Canyon was the first national park in the state of Arizona.
3. The canyon was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River that flows through its base.
4. It is up to 6,00 feet deep and spans 277 miles.
5. Native Americans have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for at least 12,000 years.

Statehood

• On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48^th state to join the Union.
• It was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.
• The state was denied statehood because the U.S. Senate wanted Arizona and New Mexico territories to combine and be one state.

The Capital

• The state capital of Arizona is Phoenix.
• The population of Phoenix makes it the most populous capital in the United States.
• Phoenix is also the 5^th most populous city in the country.

Industry

• The major industries in the state are healthcare, financial services, aerospace and defense, renewable energy, and technology.
• Banner Health is the largest employer in Arizona.

Geography

• The area of Arizona is 113,998 sq miles making it the 6^th largest state in the United States.
• With the lowest point being along the Colorado River near San Luis at 72 feet above sea level.
• And the highest point is Humphreys Peak at 12,633 ft.
• There are 3 National Parks in Arizona; Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest.
• There are 47 wilderness areas spread throughout the state.

Roosevelt Lake

• Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake located entirely within Arizona’s borders.
• It’s 22.4 miles long and has 128 miles of shoreline.
• It is 188 feet at the maximum depth.
• The Theodore Roosevelt Dam forms the lake.
• Located in Tonto National Forest, Roosevelt Lake is roughly 80 miles northeast of Phoenix.

Even though we’ve only added a small list of the cool facts about this amazing state, there are so many more that we could add. So many it’s just not possible to name them all. Let us know in the comments what your favorite facts about Arizona are. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live, or are interested in moving to the amazing city of Phoenix, find your next dream apartment here. And while you’re on your search for the best apartments, head over to our post on some of the pros and cons of living in the city.