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When individuals and families decide where to settle down or relocate, it makes sense to see what parts of the country are flourishing. A great way to find the most up-and-coming areas are to evaluate the data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Using this data, we have compiled a list of the top 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Trends Among The Fastest Growing Cities
When it comes to rapid growth, people are flocking to the South and West. These areas are known for having excellent climates and are attractive to families as well as retirees. If you’re newly freed from your current location and are considering where to live next, you might want to consider one of these locales as well. Additionally, the fastest-growing states and cities are attractive to buyers due to their job markets, housing costs and moderate costs of living.
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15 Fastest-Growing Cities In America
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the following 15 cities are the fastest-growing in the nation. These cities had the largest population increase by percentage between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, for populations of 50,000 or more. We’ll go through each city and what contributed to its recent growth.
1. Georgetown, Texas
This suburb right outside of Texas’ capital takes the top spot for the fastest-growing city in the country. Its beautiful town square, scenic views of the San Gabriel River and proximity to Austin make Georgetown attractive to visitors and new residents alike. Some of the town’s attractions include its Annual Red Poppy Festival, the Georgetown Art Center, Lake Georgetown and the Inner Space Cavern.
With plenty of fun things to do around town, Georgetown also boasts good job opportunities, quality community amenities and safe, friendly neighborhoods. Major employers in the area are a part of the manufacturing, health care, education and transportation industries. The Georgetown Independent School District has a 95.5% graduation rate, which is 5% above the state’s average.
Georgetown’s population increased by 10.5% from July 2020 – July 2021. At that rate, Georgetown’s population could double in less than 7 years. With such fast growth, the median home sale price in Georgetown has increased exponentially in the past year.
- Population: 75,420
- Median Household Income: $77,188
- Median Home Sale Price: $442,523
2. Leander, Texas
Cities outside of Austin, Texas take the top two spots, with the city of Leander sliding in as the second fastest-growing city in the U.S. Leander is just northwest of Austin and is a great choice for those who need to commute to Austin for work. With a commuter rail, award-winning school districts and more affordable housing options, Leander has continuously proven to be a top contender for those looking to move to Central Texas. Along with its great living amenities, Leander has plenty of attractions, including the popular destinations of Lake Travis and Old Town Leander.
Businesses of all sizes continue to migrate to Leander, with manufacturing and construction companies employing many of the city’s residents. With its proximity to Austin, the land in Leander continues to be developed into viable business opportunities.
While Leander was the fastest-growing large city in 2019, it falls just short of Georgetown with a population increase of 10.1% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 67,124
- Median Household Income: $106,108
- Median Home Sale Price: $494,539
3. Queen Creek, Arizona
The list for fastest-growing cities in the U.S. moves from the Lone Star State over to Queen Creek, Arizona, in Maricopa and Pinal County just southeast of Phoenix. Named after a nearby mine and creek, Queen Creek has deep roots in agriculture even though it was incorporated in 1989. The location of Queen Creek right below the San Tan mountains provides fertile soil for a variety of crops, providing many agricultural-based attractions in town including Schnepf Farms.
With a high-ranking school system and quick access to Phoenix, it’s no surprise that Queen Creek is growing at a rate of 8.9% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 66,346
- Median Household Income: $104,161
- Median Home Sale Price: $649,425
4. Buckeye, Arizona
Staying in Maricopa County, Buckeye is another suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its downtown area provides space for local businesses and national retailers, while boasting major employers such as Banner Health, the City of Phoenix, and several financial companies including American Express and Bank of America. The Phoenix area is both a popular retirement and family destination with proximity to golf courses, nightclubs and outdoor activities. With all these amenities, it’s understandable that Buckeye had a population increase of 8.6% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 101,315
- Median Household Income: $79,156
- Median Home Sale Price: $423,165
5. New Braunfels, Texas
Treading back east, New Braunfels, Texas, is located halfway between Austin and San Antonio and is known for its Germanic and Hispanic heritage. New Braunfels is home to some of Texas’ most historic spots, like Gruene Hall located in the quaint downtown area. The city is also surrounded by natural landscapes, including natural bridge caverns and the Comal and Guadalupe rivers that have parks and bike paths on their banks. The world-famous waterpark Schlitterbahn offers some relief from the heat of the hot Texas summers.
Beyond the local attractions, New Braunfels has two esteemed school districts and has job opportunities in a variety of industries. The city of New Braunfels has a population increase of 8.3% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 98,857
- Median Household Income: $71,274
- Median Home Sale Price: $360,000
6. Fort Myers, Florida
Located in Lee County, Fort Myers is the first Florida city to make the list. While the city is a major tourist destination, Fort Myers’ amenities attract families and retirees alike to become residents. The Caloosahatchee River borders Fort Myers and that feeds into the Gulf of Mexico, offering breathtaking views of the water and the opportunity to participate in watersports. From quality seafood, historical sites like the Edison and Ford estates, island hopping to ample job opportunities, Fort Myers creates a tropical suburban oasis for its residents and visitors alike. Fort Myers saw a significant population increase from July 2020 – July 2021 with a 6.8% rise in population.
- Population: 92,245
- Median Household Income: $48,848
- Median Home Sale Price: $323,685
7. Casa Grande, Arizona
A consistent characteristic of these fast-growing cities is the ability to maintain a small town feel while maintaining continual growth. Casa Grande, Arizona, is a prime example of a community with small town charm and modern opportunities, with plentiful bike trails, museums, theaters, and a thriving historic downtown area. While it’s conveniently located between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande has ample employment opportunities of its own with Abbott Nutrition, Frito Lay, Monsanto Cotton Research Center and more. All these different amenities helped the city’s population grow by 6.2% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 57,699
- Median Household Income: $55,236
- Median Home Sale Price: $345,000
8. Maricopa, Arizona
As one of the oldest communities in Arizona, Maricopa is a vibrant city surrounded by mountain ranges and the Gila River Valley. Right below the city of Phoenix, Maricopa offers affordable housing options, employment opportunities with major employers such as Volkswagen Group of America and Northrop Grumman, historical landmarks and enjoyable weather. Maricopa is also the only city in the U.S. that is bordered by two Native American communities and is an integral part of Maricopa’s diverse community. The city saw a population increase of 6.1% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 58,442
- Median Household Income: $75,229
- Median Home Sale Price: $385,280
9. North Port, Florida
North Port is located between Tampa and Fort Myers, offering quick access to some of Florida’s largest cities while having plenty of its own attractions. North Port is home to Warm Mineral Springs, which has one of the highest mineral contents in the world for a natural spring. It’s also the only city in Florida with an entire state forest, the Myakka State Forest, within its city limits. Besides its bountiful outdoor amenities, North Port prides itself with its strong school system and job opportunities. The city saw a 5.5% increase in population from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 80,021
- Median Household Income: $64,543
- Median Home Sale Price: $360,601
10. Spring Hill, Tennessee
Spring Hill, Tennessee, is right outside of Nashville, but offers a timeless charm to the Tennessee countryside. With historic homes, trails and a convenient location for businesses and residents, Spring Hill has quickly become one of the state’s fastest-growing cities. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the entire state of Tennessee. Spring Hill is also home to a major GM facility, providing a stable job market to the city. Spring Hill grew by 5.4% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 53,339
- Median Household Income: $90,322
- Median Home Sale Price: $470,000
11. Goodyear, Arizona
Port St. Lucie lies on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, offering pristine views of the water to its large number of residents. This growing city maintains its small-town charm with environmental preserves, clean beaches, golf courses and local stores. Compared to other nearby cities, Port St. Lucie boasts an affordable cost of living and is considered one of the safest places to live in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Port St. Lucie grew by 5.2% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 217,523
- Median Household Income: $62,380
- Median Home Sale Price: $355,127
13. Meridian, Idaho
Meridian is just west of Boise and has seen continual growth for the past few decades. The city provides plenty of amenities for a city with a small-town feel, with shopping districts, parks, comfortable climate, the Meridian Speedway and more. There is a good variety of young professionals and families residing in Meridian, offering an exciting nightlife scene yet family-friendly atmosphere. As the first Boise suburb to make the list, Meridian had a population increase of 5.2% from July 2020 – July 2021.
- Population: 125,963
- Median Household Income: $76,403
- Median Home List Price: $392,421
14. Caldwell, Idaho
Residents of Caldwell, Idaho, have access to adventure and tasty food at their fingertips. Another city located outside of the capital city of Boise with the Boise River running along its border, Caldwell is filled with bountiful farmland, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, a world-class rodeo, a bustling downtown area and unique shops. The local government and school districts are the top employers for the city, demonstrating Caldwell’s investment into its own residents and wellbeing. Caldwell’s population grew by 5.2% from July 2020 – July 2021, the same percentage as Meridian.
- Population: 63,629
- Median Household Income: $55,069
- Median Home List Price: $260,024
15. Nampa, Idaho
As the largest city in Canyon County, Nampa, Idaho is the final city on the list with a 5.0% population increase from July 2020 – July 2021. This Boise suburb city offers scenic views with multiple parks and Lake Lowell, along with plenty of shopping opportunities at the bustling downtown district and the local farmer’s market. The Canyon County Historical Society and Museum provides more insight into the area’s railroad history. Nampa is a great place for families looking for a forever home, as it has a strong school district and a variety of industries for employment.
- Population: 106,186
- Median Household Income: $53,205
- Median Home List Price: $279,298
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The Bottom Line: The Fastest-Growing Real Estate Cities In The US Are Trending South And West
The South and the West regions of the U.S. are drawing in new residents, with each of the fastest-growing cities bringing their own sense of unique charm. When a city has a comfortable climate, quality employment, education opportunities and welcoming communities, both residents and visitors will invest in these regions in the years to come.
If you’re looking to move to a new city, prepare early and get started with the approval process to get an edge on the market, no matter what city you land in.
Statistic Sources
Statistics for each city were pulled from reliable original and external sources. These are accurate as of August 30th, 2022.
Population & Median Household Income
- Georgetown
- Leander
- Queen Creek
- Buckeye
- New Braunfels
- Fort Myers
- Casa Grande
- Maricopa
- North Port
- Spring Hill
- Goodyear
- Port St. Lucie
- Meridian
- Caldwell
- Nampa
Median Home Price
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See What You Qualify For
Congratulations! Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to continue your home loan process online with Rocket Mortgage.
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Mary Grace Schmid
Mary Grace Schmid is a staff writer covering homeownership, personal finance and lifestyle topics. She has a B.A. in public relations from Baylor University with a minor in political science and enjoys photography, music and reading in her free time.
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