Originally known as Rittenhouse, Queen Creek began as a farming community. In 1919, the Queen Creek Farms Company was formed by C. H. Rittenhouse to ship agricultural goods. The fertile valley attracted settlers for cotton, corn, and potato farming, with Mexican immigrants, German prisoners of war, and Philippine immigrants later joining as laborers. Queen Creek flowed through Queen Canyon and was named for the Silver Queen Mine. Queen Creek incorporated as a town on September 5, 1989, to preserve its rural character while managing growth and development.

The Mayor and six Town Council members are the only elected officials in the Town of Queen Creek. The Mayor and Town Council members serve four-year terms and are elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot. The Town Council is elected on a rotating basis, so three seats are up for election every two years. There are no term limits for the Mayor or Town Council members.

Queen Creek stands as a vibrant town of growth and opportunity in the East Valley, offering strategically located land primed for development and a dynamic, well-educated workforce ready to support expanding industries. Key areas include:

Agriculture and Agribusiness: Queen Creek’s history as a farming community has led to a strong agritourism industry. Local farms, such as Schnepf Farms and Queen Creek Olive Mill, attract visitors for seasonal festivals, farm-to-table dining, and educational tours. Beyond traditional agriculture, there’s a focus on agribusiness innovation, including organic farming, eco-friendly growing practices, and food processing facilities.

Manufacturing and Distribution: Queen Creek has strategically zoned areas for industrial and light manufacturing operations, making it attractive for companies needing space and proximity to the larger markets of Metro Phoenix. Businesses in sectors like precision manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace are showing increasing interest in the Town of Queen Creek. Its location near major highways and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport supports logistics and distribution businesses, catering to companies needing easy transport to other areas of Arizona and western United States.

Technology and Innovation: The town promotes technology and innovation-driven businesses, especially in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data management. Support for tech startups is growing, with resources aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. ASU Polytechnic campus is a key asset for Queen Creek’s tech industry, providing access to skilled graduates and innovative research in fields like engineering, robotics, and data science.

Retail and Commercial Development: Commercial retail centers provide a significant boost to the local economy and cater to a growing population. The town supports a vibrant small business community, with local shops, restaurants, and service providers flourishing in key commercial zones. Queen Creek’s pro-business environment encourages entrepreneurs, with resources and incentives available for business startups.

State Route 24 (SR 24): Relatively new freeway extension that connects Queen Creek to the Loop 202 and other major freeways, offering faster access to the eastern part of Metro Phoenix.

Ellsworth Road: Primary north-south arterial road, connecting Queen Creek to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and the Loop 202 freeway to the north.

Rittenhouse Road: Key east-west route, running through the center of Queen Creek; links to neighboring areas such as Gilbert and Mesa.

Ironwood Drive: Major north-south route leading to US Route 60 (Superstition Freeway), connecting to Phoenix.

Hunt Highway: Serving as a southern boundary for Queen Creek; offers access to San Tan Valley and other areas of Pinal County.