Beyond Phoenix: Pinal County's Business and Infrastructure Growth is Sparking a Real Estate Boom
Pinal County, Arizona, has grown by 23.5% since 2010, with a 4.13% annual growth rate, making it the 7th fastest growing county in the US, according to the US Census Bureau. Located between Phoenix and Tucson, the area is transforming from a rural agriculture region to a thriving group of municipalities due to expanding businesses, increased jobs, and major infrastructure projects. Sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, and aerospace are booming, drawing families and professionals to the county for its modern homes, spacious lots, and high quality of life. While Maricopa County's market saturation plays a role, Pinal County's economic growth and strategic investments make it a top residential choice.
Job Opportunity Driving Growth
Pinal County is experiencing remarkable business growth, with a diverse mix of industries driving its economic expansion and adding tens of thousands of jobs to the region. Lucid Motors leads the way with its advanced electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Casa Grande, creating over 6,000 jobs and positioning the county as a key player in the EV market. LG Energy Solution has made a significant impact as well, with its multi-billion-dollar battery manufacturing facility in Queen Creek, expected to generate approximately 3,700 jobs to support the growing clean energy sector.
Beyond the automotive and energy industries, Pinal County is witnessing growth in manufacturing, agriculture, and aerospace, with projections estimating the addition of more than 36,000 jobs in the coming years. Florence Copper is revitalizing the area’s mining heritage while supporting jobs in natural resource extraction, and the county's strong agricultural base continues to sustain employment in agribusiness.
This industry diversification is laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. As these industries bring more residents to the area, new opportunities are emerging for businesses that serve the growing population—such as retail, healthcare, and service industries—creating an ongoing cycle of job creation and community development.
Affordable, Modern Housing
While Maricopa County's median home price is around $455,000, Pinal County offers homes at about $365,000. This makes homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers and young families. New communities in Casa Grande, Maricopa, San Tan Valley, and Queen Creek provide suburban living with modern conveniences, offering more space for the money.
Family-Friendly Lifestyle
Pinal County is well-suited for families, offering new housing developments with integrated amenities such as community pools, playgrounds, and sports courts. The region features excellent educational institutions, libraries, and recreational programs, creating a supportive environment for children and adolescents.
Importantly, this development has not come at the cost of natural beauty. There is still plenty of open public land, and many homes being built offer stunning mountain vistas. Pinal County appeals to outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to natural attractions. The Superstition Mountains, Casa Grande Mountain Park, and surrounding mountain and desert landscapes provide numerous hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration opportunities.
A Strategic Location with Small-Town Charm
While Pinal County offers a quieter, suburban atmosphere, it's far from isolated. Its strategic location along the Sun Corridor provides quick access to Phoenix and Tucson. The recent expansion of the Loop 202 freeway has made commuting easier, enabling residents to enjoy the best of urban amenities without sacrificing their peaceful lifestyle.
Towns like Maricopa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley have maintained their small-town charm while growing to accommodate new residents. This growth has brought more retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options to the area.
A Growing and Stable Community
Pinal County's population has grown by 23.5% since 2010, with nearly half a million residents now calling it home. Projections indicate that the county will reach over 524,000 residents by 2025 and nearly 600,000 by 2030. This steady growth is fueled by the region's attractiveness to families, retirees, and professionals seeking a better quality of life.
A Resilient Housing Market
The housing market in Pinal County has proven resilient, even during times of economic uncertainty. From 2021 to 2022, the county experienced a 3.5% increase in housing units — the fastest growth rate in Arizona. Builders continue to invest in new developments to meet rising demand, ensuring a healthy supply of homes for years to come.
The Maricopa County Spillover Effect
As Maricopa County becomes more congested and expensive, Pinal County has emerged as a natural next step for homebuyers. The "exurb" trend, where families move to outer suburbs for more space and affordability, is evident here. Queen Creek, for instance, saw an 8.3% population increase in one year, the highest rate of any Valley city with more than 20,000 residents.
Pinal County benefits from this spillover while maintaining its distinct identity. The county offers larger lots, newer homes, and a lifestyle that blends suburban comforts with easy access to major employment centers.
Key Pinal County Municipalities
Each Pinal County municipality offers unique characteristics catering to different homeowner needs. Here's a closer look:
Maricopa: With a median home price of around $362,000 as of January 2025, Maricopa has seen a 6.2% price increase from the previous year. Homes sell in about 60 days, and the city offers suburban living with parks, golf courses, and a growing downtown.
San Tan Valley: Known for its rural charm and community spirit, San Tan Valley's median home price sits at approximately $425,000, with homes selling in about 74 days. Families are drawn to the area for its excellent schools and outdoor recreation.
Casa Grande: Offering more affordable housing, Casa Grande's median price is approximately $334,825. The market is more favorable for buyers, with homes staying listed longer. Its central location between Phoenix and Tucson adds to its appeal.
Florence: This historic town provides a smaller community atmosphere with affordable home options. Its charming downtown and access to outdoor activities make it perfect for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The median home price in Florence is $344,012.
Coolidge: With a median home price of $292,990, Coolidge remains a seller's market. The town is known for its agricultural roots and proximity to cultural landmarks like the Casa Grande Ruins. Coolidge's economy is rapidly diversifying, becoming a hub for manufacturing, tourism, regional trade, and green energy. Industrial parks like the Inland Port of Arizona (IPAZ) and other large employers are driving this growth and creating significant demand for housing.
Transportation Infrastructure
I-10 Expansion: $1 billion will add a lane in each direction on I-10 from Loop 202 in Phoenix to SR 387 near Casa Grande, improving access for Pinal County's growth and enhancing connectivity between Phoenix and Tucson.
State Route 24 Extension: Extending SR 24 beyond Ironwood Road to the CAP canal will support regional development and reduce traffic congestion.
North-South Corridor: A 55-mile route from US 60 in Apache Junction to I-10 in Eloy, is designed to improve mobility and offer an alternative to congested routes like I-10.
Central Arizona Parkway: A new four-lane parkway extending SR 24 eastward to Ocotillo Road, aims to enhance traffic flow and support population growth.
Water Supply
Pinal County has been proactive in ensuring water availability for future developments. Many areas, such as Casa Grande, have secured assured water supply certificates, allowing for continued growth without water constraints.
Energy and Utilities
Investments in infrastructure include projects like Arizona Public Service's $100 million switchyard in Casa Grande, which supports the region's growing energy needs.
Strategic Planning and Funding
Long-Range Transportation Plan: Pinal County has developed a comprehensive plan to guide transportation development over the next 20 years. This plan includes upgrading existing roads and building new ones to accommodate projected growth.
Funding Initiatives: The county is exploring various funding options to support infrastructure projects. Over the next 20 years, it could raise between $800 million and $1.2 billion for projects through different initiatives.
Transportation Improvement & Maintenance Program (TIMP): This five-year plan identifies potential funding sources and schedules for construction and maintenance projects. Residents can submit requests for transportation improvements through this program.
Benefits for Rental Income Investors
The growth in Pinal County offers many benefits for investors looking for rental income.
Demand for Housing: As more people move to Pinal County, driven by jobs, there is a higher demand for housing. This can lead to better rental income for investors.
Less Expensive Entry: Housing in Pinal County is less expensive than in Maricopa County. This makes it easier and less costly for investors to enter the market and possibly get higher returns.
Varied Rental Options: Investors can choose between short-term and long-term rentals. Short-term rentals, especially near cities like Casa Grande, can offer higher daily rates. Long-term rentals benefit from the growing population needing steady housing.
Friendly Regulations: While there are rules for short-term rentals, Pinal County is generally more relaxed than other Arizona areas. This can make managing rentals easier for investors.
Tax Changes: Starting January 1, 2025, Arizona will remove the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on residential rental income. This could lower costs and increase net income for investors.
Economic Benefits: Pinal County and Arizona offer economic incentives for property owners, such as the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) program, which can lower property taxes for certain developments.
Growth Without Sacrificing Community
Despite its growth, Pinal County remains committed to preserving its community-focused atmosphere. Local officials prioritize responsible development, ensuring infrastructure, schools, and public services keep pace with population increases. Initiatives like the "Live, Work, Play" model in the city of Maricopa aim to create self-sufficient communities where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle without constant commutes.
Looking Ahead
With projections of continued population growth and ongoing residential development, Pinal County is poised to remain a top choice for homebuyers in Arizona. The region's affordability, modern amenities, and natural beauty make it an ideal location for families, retirees, and investors.
If you're considering a move or looking for investment opportunities, now is the time to explore Pinal County. Contact me today to learn more about available properties and discover why this vibrant, growing community might be the perfect place for your next chapter.