Rapid population growth in Goodyear has been accompanied by high levels of resident satisfaction, even as newly released data highlights emerging strains on local infrastructure, housing, and education.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Goodyear’s population reached 125,359 in 2025, a 6.5 percent annual increase and a 30.4 percent spike since the 2020 census.
"Goodyear's rapid growth is driven by excellent neighborhoods, top-rated school districts, strong economic growth, and an overall great quality of life," Mayor Joe Pizzillo said. "We continue to invest in public safety, water infrastructure, and transportation to ensure our city remains safe, strong, and ready for the future.”
Public sentiment data backs up the growth trends. The 2025 National Community Survey, which measures municipal livability, showed that 9 out of 10 respondents rated the overall quality of life in Goodyear as excellent or good.
The survey also registered an increase in local government approval. Confidence in city governance rose to 70 percent, up from 60 percent in 2023. Additionally, 71 percent of surveyed residents said the city acts in the community's best interest, both outperforming national averages.
Economic indicators show a median household income of $103,319 and a poverty rate of 5.2 percent. Separate figures from the 2022 economic census show local retail sales totaled $4.14 billion, while healthcare and social assistance revenue brought in $801 million.
That economic activity is reflected in public perception, with favorable ratings for the vibrancy of downtown and commercial areas rising from 40 percent in 2023 to 58 percent in 2025.
However, the pace of growth coincides with a decline in resident satisfaction regarding city planning and housing diversity.
Favorable ratings for "well-planned residential growth" dropped to 48 percent, down from 56 percent. Satisfaction with the variety of housing options also decreased by 10 percentage points. Federal data places the median value of an owner-occupied housing unit in Goodyear at $471,300, with a median gross monthly rent of $1,956.
On regional issues, recent Point In Time census data showed that while unsheltered homelessness dropped by 36 percent across the broader West Valley, Goodyear experienced a marginal increase, rising from five unhoused individuals in 2025 to nine in 2026.
Public perception of local education also experienced a multi-year decline. Positive ratings for K-12 education dropped from 70 percent to 62 percent, while favorable views on adult educational opportunities fell from 65 percent to 49 percent.
Despite these localized declines, Goodyear continues to score above national benchmarks for its inclusion efforts. Seventy-five percent of respondents favored the city's ability to attract a diverse population, and 67 percent approved of its efforts to care for vulnerable residents.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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