Eloy, Arizona

Eloy is a city located in Pinal County, Arizona, primarily known for its rich agricultural history, its prominent role in the skydiving community, and its growing presence in manufacturing and logistics. Situated along Interstate 10, roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Eloy is a gateway to diverse experiences, from ancient cultural sites to adrenaline-pumping aerial sports.

Population: As of the 2020 census, Eloy had a population of 15,635. The city has been experiencing significant growth, and current estimates for July 1, 2024, place its population at approximately 22,963. Projections indicate continued rapid expansion due to its strategic location and industrial development.

Climate/Landscape: Eloy is located in the low Sonoran Desert, characterized by a hot and arid environment.

  • Climate: Eloy experiences a hot and dry desert climate with abundant sunshine year-round.
    • Summers are extremely hot, with average high temperatures in July often exceeding 105°F (41°C) and frequently reaching 110°F (43°C) or higher. The summer monsoon season (typically July to September) can bring occasional, brief, but often intense thunderstorms.
    • Winters are mild and very pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C) and cool nights, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and for “snowbirds.” Eloy receives minimal annual rainfall, typically less than 10 inches.
  • Landscape: The landscape is predominantly flat, featuring vast expanses of agricultural fields (especially cotton), interspersed with native desert flora like mesquite trees, palo verde trees, and various cacti. Distant mountain ranges, such as the Picacho Mountains to the southeast, provide a scenic horizon. The flat, open terrain is ideal for both agriculture and the city’s famous skydiving operations.