What makes a particular city attractive enough to make many people call it home? Probably, it’s the affordable living expenses, exposure to various amenities, low crime rates or the abundance of opportunities that’s calling out to them. If you’re looking out for places which are rapidly becoming an abode for most Americans, then our list here would give you all the information that you need.
Taking into account, the data shared by the US Census Bureau, we’ve compiled a list of the fastest growing cities in the US. Most of these are large cities that have not only grown in terms of population, but have also given a boost to the nation’s economy. As observed, the majority of them are from the southern and western region of the country. And Texas in particular, is home to more than half of the cities in our list. If you are getting curious to find out which cities are these exactly, let’s just dive right in and give you a quick glimpse of it all!
Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities In The U.S.
- Frisco, Texas
- Buckeye, Arizona
- New Braunfels, Texas
- McKinney, Texas
- South Jordan, Utah
- Meridian, Idaho
- Cedar Park, Texas
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Conroe, Texas
- Irvine, California
1. Frisco, Texas
Starting out as only a small community of around 7,000 inhabitants, Frisco is now a bustling city with over a population of 200,000. According to the US Census Bureau, Frisco has experienced a growth of 71.1% in the last decade. Mining, quarrying, scientific and technical services are some of the big industries enhancing Frisco’s economy. Along with being listed as one of the best cities to live in America, Frisco has also consistently been ranked as the fastest growing economy in the US. And so, it had to top our list as well.
As far as the cost of living is concerned, housing costs in Frisco are higher than both the Texas and the US average. All the other essentials like groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare, are pretty much like the nation’s average, as per Bestplaces. Frisco also ranks well when it comes to having good amenities, low crime rates, good education and high income per capita. All these reasons together are evidence enough to show the accelerating growth of Frisco.
- Median Home Value – $432,440
- Median Rent – $2,498
- Median Household Income – $127,133
2. Buckeye, Arizona
Next up on our list is the lively suburb of Buckeye in Arizona. Located at around 30 miles from Phoenix, Buckeye has seen a population growth of 56.6%, according to data shared by the US Census Bureau. Currently, the small city in Arizona has around 80,000 inhabitants. While Buckeye was founded as an agricultural economy, it has now become an emerging center for industries like logistics, distribution and manufacturing. The city has also shown a consistent employment growth rate with a 3% increase over the last few years.
For all the nature lovers, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts, Buckeye City is going to be a heavenly paradise. With scenic trails to explore all around, there’s plenty to do in Buckeye. Plus, its close proximity to Phoenix and other major cities, makes it very appealing for people who want to enjoy the city benefits with a small town feel. You can also be rest assured that living in this city would not be heavy on your pockets, as the cost of living in Buckeye is around 2% lower than the national average, according to Areavibes.
- Median Home Value – $255,114
- Median Rent – $1,768
- Median Household Income – $65,932
Read Also: 7 Safest Cities In The US
3. New Braunfels, Texas
Snuggled peacefully between San Antonio and Austin, is the small town of New Braunfels. It’s known for its crystal clear Comal and Guadalupe Rivers and is also home to several parks and outdoorsy activities. Even though New Braunfels is surrounded by popular metropolises, the city has been a welcoming home for many with its affordable cost of living. And that’s also the reason why it is considered among the fastest growing cities in the US, in the recent years. Data shared by the US Bureau of Census, shows that New Braunfels has shown a growth of around 56.4% in the 2010 – 2019 period. The current population of the city is close to 91,000 inhabitants.
With a stable housing market, good schools and plenty of amenities, it’s not surprising to see New Braunfels grow at a rapid pace. Not just that, the serious hill country vibes and abundance of small town festivities, attract a lot of people to this Texan city. So, if you are also a sausage lover, you surely know about Wurstfest, right? Yes, that’s again a feature that makes New Braunfels stand out from its neighbor cities. And like we’ve already mentioned, the highly affordable cost of living for everything including utilities and transportation are reasons enough to back the influx of people in New Braunfels.
- Median Home Value – $269,561
- Median Rent – $1,484
- Median Household Income – $67,510
Related: Relocating to Texas – all you need to know
4. McKinney, Texas
Known as the county seat in Collin County, McKinney is among the top suburbs of Dallas. The excellent schools, signature neighborhoods, affordable cost of living and warm community spirit of McKinney, has attracted people from all over, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. And that isn’t the only title that the city is holding, McKinney has also consistently been ranked among the best places to live in the country. According to the US Census Bureau, McKinney has seen a percentage increase of 51.9% in the last decade, with the current population of about 200,000 residents.
With healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing and food services as some of the prominent industries, McKinney has a booming economy providing employment to many. Some of the major employers in this city include Liberty Mutual, Mario Sinacola Companies and Toyota. Add to this, a low crime rate, rich history and fantastic infrastructure, and it’s easy to see how McKinney has earned a spot for itself in our list. That said, you would just need to brace yourself for the summer heat and lack of public transportation, if you’re planning to move to McKinney.
- Median Home Value – $313,688
- Median Rent – $1,821
- Median Household Income – $89,964
5. South Jordan, Utah
A picturesque town located at just 18 miles from Salt Lake City, is how South Jordan is known as. Offering a great deal of amenities, high quality of life and a relatively safe place to raise a family, South Jordan has become the fifth fastest growing city in the US. It has seen a population increase of around 51.8% in the last decade, according to the US Bureau of Census. The current population of South Jordan stands close to 77,000 inhabitants. The city is also gradually emerging as a tech hub with IT companies like Ivanti basing their headquarters here.
If you’re wondering what the living costs in South Jordan are like, then know that South Jordan’s cost of living is around 12% higher than the national average. While you would save a little on groceries, utilities and healthcare; it’s the housing costs that take the overall expenses way above the average. But you’ll be surprised to know that only 2.7% of the individuals here live below the poverty line. That’s mainly because South Jordan also offers a high per capita income, making it a little easier to balance the scales.
- Median Home Value – $500,262
- Median Rent – $2,179
- Median Household Income – $103,430
Also Read: Moving To Utah
6. Meridian, Idaho
Whether it is the alluring job market, family friendly environment or the exemplary recreational options, Meridian has something to offer to everyone who calls the city their home. That’s probably the reason why more and more people are consistently making a shift to Meridian, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has seen a 48.3% increase its population over the last few years. Currently, the total number of residents in Meridian has crossed the one million mark and is close to 115,000.
Located very close to Boise, the state capital of Idaho, Meridian has become a sought after place for people wanting a more affordable cost of living. Plus, this city has a range of housing options for everyone – from luxury homes with pools to a cozy 2 bedroom apartment, there’s something to suit all your needs. Being one of the few cities who experience all the four seasons, and has a host of recreational activities for all, Meridian has also been ranked as one of the best places to love, not only in Idaho, but also the whole of America.
- Median Home Value – $350,643
- Median Rent – $1,717
- Median Household Income – $68,131
Also See: Moving To Idaho
7. Cedar Park, Texas
Adding to the count of Texan cities in our list is Cedar Park, ranked as the seventh fastest growing city in the United States. With an excellent public school system, community vibes and outdoorsy parks to explore, Cedar Park has seen a steady influx of people over the last few years. The statistics shared by the US Bureau of Census, highlight the population growth of 44.2% in Cedar Park. This Austin suburb is currently home to around 80,000 inhabitants from all over.
Low crime rates, high per capita income, top notch education facilities and affordable cost of living are some of the advantages of living in Cedar Park. On the other hand, high property taxes and a number of toll roads, are some things to keep in mind when planning to move to Cedar Park. As per Bestplaces, this city has an unemployment rate of only 2.7%, while the expected future growth rate is estimated around 52.6%. This makes it easy to see how more and more people find Cedar Park, a promising place to call home.
- Median Home Value – $330,089
- Median Rent – $1,768
- Median Household Income – $101,845
8. Fort Myers, Florida
If sunny days are your dreamy paradise, Fort Myers is the place to go. Out of all the cities of Florida, it is the city of Fort Myers that has the most number of sunshine filled days, sorry Miami! Popularly referred to as the City of Palms, Fort Myers is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing and shopping arenas. So, not only has the city become a famous spot for tourists, but many millennials as well as retirees are wanting to call Fort Myers their home. From 2010 to 2019, the population of the city grew 39.8%, according to the US Census Bureau. And currently, close to 88,000 people are residing in Fort Myers.
One of the biggest advantages that people look at when moving to Fort Myers, is the highly affordable cost of living that the city offers. From housing costs, utilities to transportation and healthcare, all expenses are around the nation’s average, ensuring that you won’t burn a hole in your pockets when living here. However, the public transportation system in Fort Myers is not very well developed, and like other parts of Florida, you may need to compulsorily have a car if you plan on moving around here.
- Median Home Value – $163,412
- Median Rent – $1,358
- Median Household Income – $43,474
9. Conroe, Texas
Filled with numerous city parks, breweries, restaurants and cultural attractions, the Houston suburb of Conroe takes the spot of the ninth fastest growing city on our list. According to the US Bureau of Census, the population of Conroe increased by 39.3% during the last decade, taking the current population to around 92,000 inhabitants. Although the current unemployment rate in Conroe is around 3.6%, the city’s future job growth stands at a promising 72%, as per data analyzed by Bestplaces.
While the Lone Star State has a no personal income tax policy, the sales tax in Conroe is a little above the national average. But still, if you’re planning to move to this city, you’ll be happy to know that the overall cost of living is lower than the national average and is thereby easily affordable for many. All in all, Conroe is a good place for families, young professionals as well as retirees, as it has something to offer to everyone who calls it home.
- Median Home Value – $172,319
- Median Rent – $1,164
- Median Household Income – $57,214
10. Irvine, California
Regarded as one of the most secure cities in the United States, Irvine is a popular city located in the Orange County of California. With highly rated schools, a host of cultural attractions and a well planned infrastructure in place, Irvine is often considered amongst the top destinations to live in California. But living in this sought after city comes at a price. Irvine has an exceptionally high cost of living, very similar to the other cities of the Golden State. If you’re ready to bear the cost of it, then there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you in Irvine. That’s also probably the reason why the city has consistently seen an influx of residents from all over. The population of Irvine grew by 35.5% in the past few years, as per data shared by the US Census Bureau. Currently, the city is home to around 288,000 inhabitants.
The many Fortune 500 organizations that have their headquarters here, are one of the reasons why Irvine also offers a high per capita income. The city is one of the nation’s largest planned urban communities and with that, is also a booming hub for businesses based in California. So, whether you’re a young professional wanting to enhance your career or a person who’s looking for a decent place to raise a family, Irvine surely can be your place to go, only if you find a way to balance your expenses.
- Median Home Value – $892,542
- Median Rent – $3,475
- Median Household Income – $100,969
Related: Largest Cities of California
FAQs
Which US State Is Growing The Fastest?
According to data collated by Zippia, Idaho is the fastest growing US state, which saw a population gain of close to 33,000 in the past few years. Following close by, are the states of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Probably the one thing that all these states have in common is the affordable cost of living. And that could be a major factor for many people who are choosing to call these states their home.
What Is The Fastest Growing Metropolitan Area In The United States?
Data shared by the US Census Bureau, shows the metropolitan areas of Texas and Florida to be among the fastest growing areas in the United States. To name a few specifically, the Houston – The Woodlands – Sugar Land, Texas and the Austin – Round Rock – Georgetown, Texas are among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the US.
Conclusion
All the cities that we’ve mentioned in our list, have a standout feature of their own. And that’s probably the reason why people from all walks of life are willing to build a home here. If you’re also among those planning to move to these fastest growing cities, we suggest that you do a thorough research on the cost of living expenses, the upsides and the downsides of living in these cities, and only then make an informed choice. And if you would need any moving assistance, checkout our other blogs that cover a range of the best moving companies spread across the United States.
Related: List of Best and Worst Cities for Job Seekers | List of Top Cities for Business Graduates | 10 Best Small Cities In The U.S To Move To
