If you think traffic in Maricopa is bad now, wait 36 ​​years.

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

MAG published population projections last year. Covers cities and towns in Pinal and Maricopa counties based on urban planning areas. Planning area maps show how the population is expected to explode in the coming decades.

So how does Maricopa and its neighbors work together?

Maricopa's population doubles

Current estimates based on 2020 U.S. Census data are Maricopa's population of approximately 74,000 people.

according to MAG Socio-Economic Forecast ReportMaricopa's population is expected to exceed 159,000 people by 2060, an increase of 115% from the city's current population.

With this increase, Maricopa's population in 2060 will be about the same as it is today.

Such growth could bring more jobs, especially skilled jobs, to cities. The report also notes that local employment will increase by an estimated 288%, from 8,400 people today to more than 32,600 people by 2060.

County-wide outlook

Neighbors in Maricopa, Pinal County, are expecting big growth as well.

For example, Casa Grande expects its population to reach 153,000 in 2060, an increase of 137%. Mr. Eloy predicts an increase of 700%, and Mr. Coolidge predicts an increase of 850%.

Overall, Pinal County's population is expected to grow from 428,000 in 2020 to more than 1.23 million by 2060, according to the map and report. This equates to a population increase of 187% for the entire county.

Over the same period, Maricopa County could see a 47% increase in population, from 4.4 million people today to 6.5 million people in 2060.