Kimberly Oldaker

Pima County

With a population of over 1 million people, Pima County is the second-biggest county (by population) in Arizona. It's home to Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix. Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Pima County is known for much more than its spectacular saguaros and stunning sunsets. A day trip can take you from the desert floor to the mountains of the Coronado National Forest to the top of Mt. Lemmon, the southernmost ski destination in the United States. The county's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including government, education, healthcare, and technology. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is the largest employer in the county, boasting world-class researchers, top-ranked academic programs, and NCAA-championship caliber athletic teams. Pima County has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back thousands of years. It's home to the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. In addition, 40 percent of the County's population is of Hispanic/Latino origin. Tourism is also an important industry in Pima County, with attractions such as the Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Pima Air & Space Museum drawing millions of visitors each year. Other urban areas include Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Ajo, and South Tucson.