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Arizona’s Civic Health Landscape

Overview of Arizona’s civic health landscape, including contextual factors, shared public priorities, and data that show where the state stands today.

Each topic page offers an overview of an issue Arizonans identify as a statewide priority, drawing on both public opinion and outcome data from sources such as the Gallup Arizona Survey, the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, and the Arizona Progress Meters. Additional data and trend details are available in the Searchable Data Library for deeper exploration.

Arizona’s Current Civic Health Landscape

Civic health refers to the strength of community connections, public trust, and civic participation that together shape how people engage in civic life and work toward shared goals.

Arizona’s civic health reflects both concern and consensus. Survey findings show that many Arizonans believe the state lacks trusted leadership to navigate difficult times, and that divisiveness and polarization are harming communities. A majority also express concern that democracy is under threat and could be at risk for future generations.

At the same time, there is strong public agreement on the need to create more opportunities to come together across differences, strengthen transparency and accountability in government, and foster civic leaders focused on Arizona’s long-term future.

28% of Arizonans say Arizona has strong leaders who can lead the state through tough times.

85% of Arizona voters are concerned about the divisiveness and partisanship in current politics.

68% of Arizona voters feel that democracy is under threat and at risk for future generations.

76% of Arizonans are willing to speak with people with different views to solve problems.

55% of Arizonans are confident that Arizonans can pull together to solve tough problems.

81% of Arizona voters believe their vote can change things for the better.

Factors Unique to Arizona

Arizona’s civic health is shaped by a mix of demographic, social, and political forces that continue to redefine community life and participation across the state. High population mobility, increasing diversity, and a closely balanced political landscape all contribute to a complex civic environment.

Changing Populations and Sense of Place

Changing Populations and Sense of Place

Since statehood, Arizona has consistently had more residents who relocated from elsewhere than were born in the state. This high level of mobility influences how communities form and connect, often affecting residents’ sense of belonging and attachment to place. Communities with many newcomers can experience lower social cohesion and fewer long-term networks, even as population growth continues to fuel economic and cultural diversity across the state. 

What Arizonans Prioritize

Center for the Future of Arizona’s statewide survey research shows strong agreement among Arizonans on the importance of collaboration, community connection, and pride in place. Across political and demographic groups, most residents express a desire to work together to solve problems, support leaders who build consensus, and maintain confidence in Arizona as a great place to live — even as opinions diverge on the state’s overall direction.

Wanting to Work Together

Arizonans broadly agree on the importance of working together to solve problems. Most say they’re willing to engage with people who hold different views and believe communities can unite to address tough challenges.

  • 64% of all Arizonans agree that they are willing to speak with people with different views to solve problems.
  • 55% agree that they are confident that Arizonans can pull together to solve tough problems. 

See All the Most Recent Public Opinion Research:

Indicators to Drive Action

Measuring civic health outcomes over time helps reveal how Arizonans engage with one another, participate in public life, and build trust with leaders, institutions, and their communities. These indicators represent ways to describe and track civic health conditions in relation to the shared priorities Arizonans have identified.

When measured consistently, these data can help communities, policymakers, and stakeholders understand emerging trends, identify areas where investment may be needed, and monitor progress toward shared priorities.

The Arizona Civic Health Progress Meter, developed by Center for the Future of Arizona in collaboration with community and research partners, tracks these indicators and goals and is widely recognized as the state’s key measure of civic health progress.

Voter Participation

Measures the percentages of registered voters, eligible voters, and voting-age public who vote in presidential and midterm elections. 

  • Why it matters: Voter participation is a core measure of civic engagement and the health of representative democracy. When more Arizonans take part in elections, leadership better reflects the diverse voices and priorities of communities across the state. 

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Independent Experts

Connect with Arizona-based experts from across the state ready to share their own perspectives and insights — on the record or off.

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Informational Sessions

Join online, in-person, and hybrid events — available exclusively to verified members of the media — that provide early access to new data and opportunities to hear from experts who can explain and explore Arizona’s most complex and evolving issues.

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