Arizona’s health landscape reflects differences in access, affordability, and health outcomes across communities. Access to care varies between urban and rural regions, and capacity can differ across health systems and community providers. As Arizona’s population grows and ages, demand for services is increasing, adding pressure to healthcare infrastructure and the health workforce. Cost remains a significant barrier for many residents, especially for primary care and mental health services.
Arizona’s Health Landscape
Overview of Arizona’s 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 Health Landscape
20% of Arizonans report not having a primary care provider in 2023.
12% of Arizonans reported they did not seek medical treatment in 2022 due to cost.
86% of Arizonans agree that mental health services should be available and affordable for anyone who needs them.
Arizona spent $8,756 per capita towards healthcare in 2020, below the national average.
Factors Unique to Arizona
Arizona’s health landscape is influenced by population trends, geography, and social and environmental conditions. These factors affect both access to care and health outcomes, and they vary widely across the state.
Population Growth and Aging
Arizona continues to attract retirees, which increases the state’s population of elderly individuals. This trend increases demand for primary, specialty, and long-term care, necessitating significant infrastructure for healthcare facilities and providers to deliver services statewide.
Population Growth and Aging
Arizona continues to attract retirees, which increases the state’s population of elderly individuals. This trend increases demand for primary, specialty, and long-term care, necessitating significant infrastructure for healthcare facilities and providers to deliver services statewide.
What Arizonans Prioritize
Survey findings show broad agreement that health care should be accessible and affordable. Many Arizonans express concern about provider availability, wait times, and mental healthcare access. While experiences differ across income levels and regions, residents converge on several shared priorities related to coverage, transparency, and access to support services.
Access Without Financial Harm
Arizonans overwhelmingly agree that individuals who need healthcare should be able to get it without experiencing financial hardship.
- 84% of Arizonans say it is important to ensure that anyone can access quality healthcare without risk of financial harm.
Access Without Financial Harm
Arizonans overwhelmingly agree that individuals who need healthcare should be able to get it without experiencing financial hardship.
- 84% of Arizonans say it is important to ensure that anyone can access quality healthcare without risk of financial harm.
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Indicators to Drive Action
Tracking health outcomes helps describe how access, affordability, and conditions are changing across Arizona. Consistent measurement supports understanding of current health needs, highlights shifts over time, and can inform decisions connected to Arizonans’ priorities for stability, access to care, and long-term well-being.
When measured consistently, these data help communities, policymakers, and stakeholders understand what’s changing, inform decisions to manage the healthcare system, and track progress toward improving and maintaining healthy communities.
The Arizona Health & Well-Being Progress Meter, developed by Center for the Future of Arizona, tracks a number of relevant indicators of the state’s health & well-being progress.
Access to Primary Care Practitioners
Measures the percentage of Arizonans who report that they do not have a primary care practitioner (family physician, pediatrician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant).
- Why it matters: Access to primary care supports preventive services and early treatment, helping residents manage health needs before conditions worsen.
Access to Primary Care Practitioners
Measures the percentage of Arizonans who report that they do not have a primary care practitioner (family physician, pediatrician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant).
- Why it matters: Access to primary care supports preventive services and early treatment, helping residents manage health needs before conditions worsen.
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