The U.S. is a diverse and dynamic country with many cities and towns experiencing rapid population growth. According to the latest census data, the fastest-growing places in the U.S. are mostly located in the West and South regions, with some exceptions in the Midwest and Northeast.
Americans have many options when it comes to choosing where to live and how to live. Many people choose to move to developing cities because of the many jobs and investment opportunities there. If you want to take advantage of this baby boom, then this post is for you.
The world has become more urbanized, especially in the United States. As one of the largest countries in the world by area, as of 2023, more than 80% of the US population is now concentrated in important urban areas. This urban concentration will likely only increase in the coming years.
The Fastest-Growing City or Town in U.S.
Here are some of the most notable examples of fast-growing cities and towns in the U.S.:
Georgetown, Texas
This suburb near the capital of Texas ranks first among the fastest growing cities in the country. The beautiful town square, stunning views of the San Gabriel River, and proximity to Austin make Georgetown attractive to both tourists and new residents. Some of the city's highlights include the annual Red Poppy Festival, the Georgetown Arts Center, Lake Georgetown, and the Inner Space Cave.
This city near Austin, Georgetown is full of fun things to do as well as good job opportunities, quality public amenities and safe and friendly neighborhoods. The main employers in the region are manufacturing, healthcare, education and transportation. The Georgetown Independent School District has a 95.5% graduation rate, which is 5% higher than the state average. From July 2020 to July 2021, Georgetown's population increased by 10.5%. At this rate, Georgetown's population could double in less than 7 years. With such rapid growth, the median sale price of a home in Georgetown has increased exponentially over the past year.
Leander, Texas
Cities outside Austin, Texas take the top two spots, with Leander being the second fastest growing city in the United States. Leander is located northwest of Austin and is a great option for people who need to commute to Austin. . With commuter rail links, award-winning school districts, and more affordable housing options, Leander has consistently proven to be the best location candidate for those looking to move to Downtown. Texas. In addition to great amenities, Leander has a lot to offer, including popular spots on Lake Travis and Leander Old Town.
Businesses of all sizes continue to migrate to Leander, with manufacturing and construction companies employing many of the city's residents. Due to its proximity to Austin, the land in Leander continues to be developed into a lucrative business opportunity.
Although Leander was the fastest growing major city in 2019, it is still slightly behind Georgetown with a population growth of 10.1% from July 2020 to July 2021.
Queen Creek Town, Arizona
This town southeast of Phoenix has grown by 8.9% rate from July 2020 to July 2021, ranking third in the nation. Queen Creek Town has a rural charm, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a rich agricultural heritage.
The list of fastest growing US cities shifts from the Lone Star State to Queen Creek, Arizona, Maricopa and Pinal County in southeast Phoenix. Named for a nearby mine and stream, Queen Creek has deep agricultural roots, although it was registered in 1989. Queen Creek's location just below the San Tan Mountains provides fertile soil for growing a wide variety of crops, yielding many agricultural attractions in the city, including the Schnepf Ranch.
Buckeye, Arizona
This city west of Phoenix, located in Maricopa County, Buckeye is another suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its downtown offers space for local businesses and national retailers, and boasts major employers such as Banner Health, the City of Phoenix, and a number of financial firms including American Express and Bank of America. The Phoenix area is a popular destination for retirees and families because of its proximity to golf courses, nightclubs and outdoor activities. With all these amenities, it's clear that Buckeye's population has grown by 8.6% from July 2020 to July 2021.
New Braunfels, Texas
This city between San Antonio and Austin has grown by 8.3%, ranking fifth in the nation. New Braunfels has a German influence, a lively downtown area, and a popular water park.
Moving east, New Braunfels, Texas lies between Austin and San Antonio and is known for its German and Hispanic heritage. New Braunfels is home to some of Texas' most historic sites, such as Gruene Hall, located in the quaint downtown area. The city is also surrounded by natural scenery, including caves with natural bridges, the Comal and Guadalupe rivers with parks, and bike paths along the waterfront. The world-renowned Schlitterbahn Water Park helps relieve the heat of the Texas summer.
In addition to local attractions, New Braunfels offers two highly regarded school districts and job opportunities in a variety of industries. The population of the city of New Braunfels increased by 8.3% from July 2020 to July 2021.
Fort Myers, Florida
This city on the Gulf Coast has grown by 6.8%, ranking sixth in the nation. Fort Myers has a tropical climate, a rich history, and a booming tourism industry.
Fort Myers, located in Lee County, is the first Florida city to make the list. While the city is a major tourist destination, Fort Myers' amenities appeal to families and retirees looking to become residents. The Calusahatchee River borders Fort Myers and flows into the Gulf of Mexico, offering spectacular water views and water sports opportunities. From high-quality seafood, historic sites like the Edison and Ford residences, to island tours, to a wealth of job opportunities, Fort Myers creates a tropical suburban oasis for residents and tourists alike. guest. Fort Myers experienced a significant population increase from July 2020 to July 2021, with a population increase of 6.8%.
Casa Grande, Arizona
This city south of Phoenix has grown by 6.2%, ranking seventh in the nation. Casa Grande has a growing manufacturing sector, a diverse population, and a strategic location.
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.
Maricopa, Arizona
This city south of Phoenix, Maricopa has a modern infrastructure, a strong community spirit, and a low crime rate. One of Arizona's oldest settlements, Maricopa is a bustling city surrounded by mountains and the Gila River Valley. Just outside of Phoenix, Maricopa offers affordable housing options, job opportunities with major employers like Volkswagen Group of America and Northrop Grumman, historic sites and pleasant weather. . Maricopa is also the only U.S. city that borders two Native American communities and is an integral part of the diverse Maricopa community. From July 2020 to July 2021, the city's population increased by 6.1%.
North Port, Florida
This city north of Fort Myers has grown by 5.5% from July 2020 to July 2021, ranking ninth in the nation. North Port has a young and educated workforce, a healthy environment, and a high median income.
The North Port is located between Tampa and Fort Myers, providing quick access to some of Florida's largest cities and many attractions of its own. North Harbor is home to warm mineral springs with one of the highest mineral salts in the world for a natural springtime. It is also the only city in Florida that has the entire Myakka State Forest within its borders. In addition to many outdoor amenities, North Harbor boasts a strong school system and job opportunities.
Spring Hill, Tennessee
Spring Hill - town south of Nashville, Tennessee is located on the outskirts of Nashville but has the timeless charm of rural Tennessee. With historic homes, trails, and a convenient location for businesses and residents, Spring Hill is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. It also consistently ranks among the safest cities in Tennessee. Spring Hill is also home to a large GM plant, providing the city with a steady job market. Spring Hill grew 5.4% from July 2020 to July 2021. Spring Hill has a historic downtown area, a thriving automotive industry, and a low unemployment rate.
Goodyear, Arizona
Port Saint Lucie sits on the Atlantic Ocean, providing a large number of residents with pristine waterfront views. This growing city retains its small-town charm with eco-sanctuaries, clean beaches, golf courses and local shops. According to the U.S. News & World Report, compared to other nearby cities, Port St. Lucie boasts an affordable cost of living and is one of the safest places to live in the country. The Port of Saint Lucie grew by 5.2% from July 2020 to July 2021.
Meridian, Idaho
The meridian lies west of Boise and has seen steady growth over several decades. The city offers many of the amenities of a small town city, with shopping, parks, a pleasant climate, Meridian Racetrack, and more. Meridian is home to many young professionals and families, offering an exciting nightlife and family atmosphere. As the first Boise suburb to make the list, Meridian saw a population increase of 5.2% between July 2020 and July 2021.
Caldwell, Idaho
The people of Caldwell, Idaho, have access to adventure and great food at their fingertips. Another city outside of Boise, with the Boise River running along its border, Caldwell has rich farmland, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, a world-class horse race, a bustling downtown, and neighborhoods. Unique shopping. Local governments and school districts are the city's top employers, a testament to Caldwell's investment in residents and their well-being. Caldwell's population grew 5.2% from July 2020 to July 2021, equal to Meridian's rate.
Nampa, Idaho
The largest city in Canyon County, Nampa, Idaho is the last city on the list to experience a 5.0% population growth from July 2020 to July 2021. This suburban city of Boise has stunning views. beautiful, several parks and Lake Lowell, as well as many of the shops. opportunities in the bustling city center and local farmers market. The Canyon County Museum and Historical Association provides more information on railroad history in the area. Nampa is a great place for families looking for a permanent home as it has a strong school district and many job industries.
These are just some of the fastest-growing cities and towns in the U.S., reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the country. These places offer various opportunities and challenges for their residents and visitors alike.
Future Largest Metropolitan Areas in the US (2020-2050)
The future of the United States depends largely on the growth and development of its cities and towns. According to a recent study by SmartAsset, an online resource for consumer-focused financial information, some of the fastest-growing metropolises in the nation are located in the northwest corner of the country, where they are investing in technology, sustainability, and infrastructure. These cities include Nampa, Meridian, and Boise in Idaho, Bend in Oregon, and Vancouver and Bellingham in Washington. These cities have experienced significant population growth, income growth, business growth, and gross domestic product growth in the past five years.
However, the Northwest is not the only region seeing urban growth and renewal. Other cities across the country are also paving the way for the future, attracting new residents and businesses, improving quality of life and building sustainability. For example, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, was recognized as the city with the highest economic growth in the SmartAsset study, with a 38% increase in median household income and a 28% increase in population. from 2015 to 2020. Other fast-growing cities include Conroe, Texas; Pleasant Mountain, South Carolina; Tempe, Arizona; Seattle; North Charleston, South Carolina; Rocky Hills, South Carolina; Henderson, Nevada; Concord, North Carolina; New Braunfels, Texas; Longmont, Colorado; Austin, Texas; India, California; George, Utah; and Sandy Springs, Georgia.
These cities and towns are growing not only in size and wealth but also in diversity and opportunity. They offer their residents and visitors a variety of industries, cultures, amenities and lifestyles. They also face issues such as housing affordability, congestion, environmental sustainability, social justice and public health. To meet these challenges and sustain growth, these cities must continue to invest in smart solutions that leverage data, technology, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. The future of the United States depends on the future of cities and towns.
The 25 largest counties in the United States in 2021, by population(in millions)
Find more statistics at Statista
Urbanization is defined as the process by which cities grow larger or societies become more urbanized. Rural-to-urban migration in the United States and around the world often occurs in search of work or for better access to services such as health care. The largest cities in America are constantly expanding. Given their size, incremental growth leads to dramatic increases in numbers, such as New York, which added 69,777 people in 2011, more than any other city. In terms of percentage growth, however, small cities outside of major hubs grew the fastest, with Buckeye City being the fastest growing major city in 2017-2018.
Urbanization in the United States is slow, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas increasing from 80.77% in 2010 to 82.66% in 2020. 2018, the United States is ranked 14th. in the ranking of countries by degree of urbanization. Unlike fully urbanized countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, the United States still has a thriving agricultural sector. Although the development of technology has reduced the demand for labor in rural areas, there is still a need for workers in supporting industry and services.