How high is Phoenix?

Phoenix sits at 1,096 ft (334 m) above sea level, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data. That sits below Arizona’s average of 4,216 ft (1,285 m) — on the lower side for the state, with about 91% of Arizona higher.

Interactive 3D elevation map of the Phoenix, Arizona area, from the Copernicus GLO-30 model

A live 3D slice of the terrain around Phoenix, from our satellite elevation model. Phoenix is marked at 1,096 ft (334 m); the highest ground in view reaches 4,626 ft (1,410 m). Drag to spin it (tap to start on mobile).

Phoenix in Arizona

Here’s the useful context: Phoenix, at 1,096 ft (334 m), sits roughly 3,120 ft (951 m) below Arizona’s average elevation of 4,216 ft (1,285 m). Despite its reputation it’s on the lower side for its state — our model puts about 91% of Arizona’s land higher than the city.

79 ft — Arizona low▲ Phoenix 1,096 ft · avg 4,216 ft ┈12,612 ft — Arizona high

The terrain around Phoenix

The ground right around Phoenix is fairly even, close to 1,096 ft (334 m), so the city itself feels level underfoot. But the window still catches higher country: the terrain climbs to 4,626 ft (1,410 m) toward the east edge of the view, which is what gives Phoenix its mountain backdrop.

You can read the whole story in the map above — the flatter ground where the city sits, and the way the land gathers into peaks nearby. It’s the difference between where you stand and what you can see from it.

What Phoenix’s altitude means

At 1,096 ft (334 m), Phoenix is low enough that altitude barely registers. The air holds close to the oxygen your body expects nearer sea level, so arriving here brings none of the breathlessness or fast dehydration that higher cities do. If altitude is on your mind, this isn’t the place to worry about it.

How Phoenix compares

Among Arizona’s larger cities, Phoenix is ranked #7 of 10 by elevation. For a familiar yardstick, that puts it well below Denver’s mile-high 5,280 ft (1,609 m).

Agua Prieta — 4,012 ft (1,223 m)
Tucson — 2,484 ft (757 m)
San Tan Valley — 1,519 ft (463 m)
Phoenix — 1,096 ft (334 m)
Lake Havasu City — 741 ft (226 m)
Bullhead City — 554 ft (169 m)
Yuma — 141 ft (43 m)

Phoenix elevation FAQ

How high is Phoenix?: Phoenix’s elevation is about 1,096 ft (334 m) above sea level at the city center, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data.
Is Phoenix high or low for Arizona?: On the low side. At 1,096 ft (334 m) it sits below Arizona’s average of 4,216 ft (1,285 m), with about 91% of the state higher.
Does Phoenix’s altitude affect visitors?: Not really. At 1,096 ft (334 m), Phoenix is low enough that the air feels much like it does near sea level.

Explore more

↑ Arizona’s full elevation map — the whole state in interactive 3D, with its high and low points and average elevation.
· Blog: Average Elevation by State — where Arizona’s 4,216 ft (1,285 m) mean ranks.
· Blog: Elevation vs Altitude — what a city’s elevation figure actually measures.

Phoenix’s elevation is a native ~30 m windowed-median sample from Copernicus GLO-30 (ESA); the Arizona figures are computed across the state from the same model. The 3D view is a fine windowed sample at roughly 201 m resolution, sharp enough to resolve the surrounding ridgelines. Data as of 2026-08-17.