Regional Profile

Arizona Strength

Ranks in Top Four for "Best States for business" (Chief Executive Magazine)

Ranks #1 for economic performance over the last ten years (American Legislative Exchange Council)

Ranks #3 for economic outlook (American Legislative Exchange Council)

Ranks #1 in Maricopa County in the 2021 Talent Attraction Scorecard (EMSI)

Regional Strength
Apache Junction enjoys all of the benefits of being a member of a strong business friendly state and an economically advancing region. In addition to being #1 in the nation for entrepreneurial activity, Arizona ranks seventh lowest in average workers compensation costs, fifth lowest in property taxes, and second lowest in unemployment insurance tax.  Arizona has created a minimalist regulatory environment, has the lowest corporate and individual income tax rates in the nation, and is poised and ready to meet needs for top talent with an abundant, talented and young workforce.

Regional Labor Statistics

  Phoenix Los Angeles San Francisco San Diego
Unemployment 3.1% 6.5% 4.3% 4.9%
Average Annual Salary $59,793 $68,118 $72,813 $72,399
Right To Work State Yes No No No
Higher Degree Educational Attainment 35.2% 38.5% 60.2% 45.2%
Unionization Rate 5.4% 15.9% 15.9% 15.9%
Housing (middle tier) $404,005 $944,651 $1,579,001 $944,228

In addition Apache Junction is part of the Phoenix East Valley (PHX East Valley). Our region is a major business and employment center, with well-known global brands, plus homegrown firms and some of the most creative startup venture imaginable.  In the PHX East Valley, our political, civic and community leaders from eleven communities work together to move the east valley region forward.  

City Demographics

Population Median Age Median
Household
Income
Population
Density
Total Housing
Units
38,499
52.2
$46,708
1,097
17,052

Labor Force & Education

With regional commute times averaging 30 minutes, Apache Junction has an available labor force slightly over 345,000 people. The workforce is well educated with nearly 70% of the population 25+ having an education level above a high school graduate. See the latest Commute Shed Analytics here.

Access to workforce training is critical to any industry's labor force and Apache Junction has 4 colleges/universities within a 15 minute drive that offer Associate level degree programs or higher.

And, located in Downtown Apache Junction, Central Arizona College, Superstition Mountain Campus, provides a variety of programs and has additional capacity to accommodate specialized business needs with creative programs and training facilities to prepare or offer continuing education and training for existing workforce.

*See list below for a list of colleges and universities within 45 minute drive.

workforce and education

Arizona State University - Polytechnic

Arizona State University - Tempe

AT Still University

Central Arizona College

Chandler Gilbert Community College

Communiversity @ Queen Creek

East Valley Institute of Technology

Everest College

Grand Canyon University

Pima Medical Institute

Maricopa Community College District

Ottawa University

Rio Salado College

Scottsdale Community College

University of Advancing Technology

University of Arizona

University of Phoenix

Western International University

Transportation Infrastructure
Apache Junction has a global reach made possible by 1 international airport and 2 general aviation airports, 4 interstate freeways (I-8, I-10, I-19, and I-40) leading to the west coast and Mexico. The region is also service by Union Pacific and BNSF rail.

By-Plane
AZ-Interstate
By-Road
Top Industries and Employers
There are three primary industry clusters in Apache Junction: 1.) Retail/Accommodation/Food Services, 2.) Healthcare/Social Assistance, and 3.) Construction. The city is currently seeking opportunities to expand business presence in Advanced Business Services, Manufacturing & Distribution, and Biomedical & Personalized Medicine.

Top Industries

AJ-Industries