It covered the entire northeastern portion of the state, from northern Phoenix all the way to the New Mexico border.

However, the great majority of its vote was cast in northern Phoenix, which was heavily Republican.

With the Valley's dramatic growth over the next two decades, the district was made significantly more compact in the 1990 census, losing all of its territory outside of the Phoenix area.

It was restricted to Maricopa County, and covered most of Tempe and portions of Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler.

For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains the following counties and communities:[5] Arizona began sending a fourth member to the House after the 1970 census.