Arizona’s economy:
The state of the 5 C’s
Series airs Feb. 11-18, 2026
From its territorial days to deep into the 20th century, Arizona built its economy on five economic pillars dubbed the five C’s: copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate.
But modern technology and explosive population growth have changed Arizona’s landscape. Farmland is being replaced by development, and powerful new industries have emerged.
In this six-part series, KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
Tim Agne
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KJZZ
KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
Alisa Reznick
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KJZZ
KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
Bridget Dowd
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KJZZ
KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
Chelsey Heath
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KJZZ
KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
Jean Clare Sarmiento
/
KJZZ
KJZZ examines the storied history of the state’s five C’s — copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate — and the role they still play in modern-day Arizona.
The “five C’s” — cattle, citrus, copper, cotton and climate — are a snapshot of Arizona history. While they aren't the main sectors of the state’s economy today, they speak to a time when Arizona came into its own, and for that, they will always matter.
More Arizona history stories
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Reporting: Bridget Dowd, Greg Hahne, Alisa Reznick, Camryn Sanchez, Wayne Schutsky
Editing: Ben Giles, Chad Snow
Digital: Chelsey Heath, Sky Schaudt
Illustrations: Claire Lawton