The Top 15 Fastest-Growing Cities In The US

One thing that has always been true about America is that people vote with their feet. The answer to the question “what is the most popular place to live in the U.S.?” has always been fluid, and it’s depended on the time in history. Mostly, it’s been tied to where the best economic opportunities existed. When we look at the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. today, this remains true.

In the early 20th century, for example, the booming industry in towns like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh brought a great migration of southerners north in search of high-paying factory jobs. But by the late 20th century, many of these towns saw significant population decline as major industries began moving much of their manufacturing to cheap-labor countries overseas.

In response, a new migration began and continues to this day, much of it to smaller towns and cities in the southern and western states. These are places where new industries have boomed in fields such as health, insurance, financial services and, especially, high technology. Weather is a factor, too. The fact that most of these places have mild winters is likely not a coincidence.

The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities In America

1. Fort Myers, Florida

When it comes to where Americans want to live today, Florida is a popular choice. The Sunshine State was the #1 state in percentage population growth in 2022 at 1.9%. Even more specifically, it’s southwest Florida where people want to be. Two of the top three fastest-growing cities in the U.S. are there, and two more are just a short drive away.

What drives people to Fort Myers, Florida? Start with the year-round warm weather, the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the sugar sand beaches. From paddling to fishing to searching for seashells, Fort Myers has enough to keep young and old alike outdoors and engaged with nature. There is also a vibrant arts scene, great restaurants, distinctive neighborhoods and great parks. The median home sold price as of June 2023 is $361,130, but the growing GDP of southwest Florida is attracting business and investment at a pace to sustain it.

• Population: 105,260
• Population growth from 2022 – 2023: 6.82%
• GDP growth from 2020 – 2021: 8.86%
• Median household income: $51,682
• Median home sale price: $361,130

2. St. George, Utah

Utah’s population (like many of the western mountain states) has grown faster (nearly 24%) than any other state since 2010, and much of that is due to the popularity of the southwestern town of St. George. St. George’s location between the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert makes it an ideal jumping-off point for visitors seeking to explore some of the most breathtaking natural beauty anywhere in the world. Within a short drive from St. George, residents and tourists alike can visit the stunning Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, the Grande Escalante National Monument and the Grand Canyon. Options for climbing, canyoneering, hiking and biking are limitless, and there are more than a few luxury spas in the region. The town itself is very family-oriented and has an excellent dining and arts scene, including a full Southwest Symphony season. The mild desert climate brings little rain, hot summers and mild winters.

• Population: 108,535
• Population growth from 2022 – 2023: 4.20%
• GDP growth from 2020 – 2021: 7.58%
• Median household income: $63,604
• Median home sale price: $593,266

3. Cape Coral, Florida

Cape Coral is at the forefront of Florida’s explosive population growth. Known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” Cape Coral is situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The city has over than 400 miles of canals – more than any other place in the world. Thousands of Cape Coral boaters have direct access to the Gulf coastal islands of Sanibel, Pine and Cayo Costa, as well as tremendous sport fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking and birdwatching are also popular recreational options in the area’s many wetlands and nature preserves. Cape Coral’s economy is growing at a robust 9%, it has a youthful population, and with plenty of buildable land available, the city’s population is expected to nearly double to 400,000 in the coming years.

• Population: 221,997
• Population growth from 2022 – 2023: 4.19%
• GDP growth from 2020 – 2021: 8.86%
• Median household income: $65,282
• Median home sale price: $409,328

4. Round Rock, Texas

The population of Texas has been booming for seemingly decades, and in the years 2010 – 2023 it had the third-highest population growth among the 50 states. In the last 2 years no Texas city has grown faster than Round Rock. While independent of Austin, the city certainly enjoys the benefits of its proximity to the dynamic state capital, which is also home to the University of Texas. Round Rock boasts the highest GDP growth metric of any city on our list. The local economy benefits from the presence of PC manufacturer Dell Corporation, which employs 16,000 people at its headquarters and supports tens of thousands more throughout Texas. Round Rock is not a suburb — it has its own historic downtown with shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Other shopping destinations include an IKEA store and the 120-store Round Rock Premium Outlets.

• Population: 130,919
• Population growth from 2022 – 2023: 2.80%
• GDP growth from 2020 – 2021: 10.55%
• Median household income: $86,587
• Median home sale price: $432,248