The 15 fastest-growing cities in the US

The first results of the 2020 U.S. Census show that more than 331 million people now live in the U.S., and the trend among American moves is toward the West and South. The country’s growth rates since the 2010 census was 7.4%—the second slowest in U.S. history, according to the Census. 

Among all 50 states, 37 grew more slowly in 2010 than in the previous decade. In fact, the constitutionally mandated reapportionment of members of Congress reallocated seven seats across various states based on the 2020 census—tellingly, the first-ever loss of a seat for California.

But certain areas, notably the Sun Belt regions of the South and West, are growing quickly. The population in the South has grown 10.2% since 2010, with the West growing at 9.2%. The Northeast grew more slowly, at 4.1%, and the Midwest grew at a rate of 3.1%. The Brookings Institution points out that those Sun Belt states now comprise 62% of the nation’s population. In 1970, less than half (48%) of the country’s population lived in the South and West.  

Texas has seen huge growth in recent years, as companies move their headquarters from states like California. Arizona, Utah, and Tennessee are among the states with fast-growing cities. The Census Bureau reported in 2020 the cities with the highest average growth over the decade, based on 2019 census results. And while some analyses of US cities measure growth by factors such as employment rates, income, GDP, and poverty rate, here we show you the decade’s growth as defined by percent increase in population.

City scape in front of a river.

Table of contents

The 15 fastest-growing cities from April 2010 to July 2019 (City populations of 50,000 or more)Frisco, TexasBuckeye, ArizonaNew Braunfels, TexasMcKinney, TexasSouth Jordan, UtahMeridian, IdahoCedar Park, TexasFort Myers, FloridaConroe, TexasIrvine, CaliforniaMurfreesboro, TennesseeMount Pleasant, South CarolinaRound Rock, TexasGoodyear, ArizonaFranklin, Tennessee

The 15 fastest-growing cities from April 2010 to July 2019 (City populations of 50,000 or more)

Frisco, Texas

Percent increase: 71.1

2019 population: 200,490

Median household income: $127,055

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 278.6 miles to Houston

Frisco has seen its population grow partly because of its convenient proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 30 miles south. But the surrounding areas also house big employers like Raytheon Intelligence and Space (which announced a major expansion in 2019) and Baylor Medical Center. Frisco has a minor league baseball team, several museums, and is close to the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s two major airports, making it an easy place to live and work.

Buckeye, Arizona

Percent increase: 56.6

2019 population: 79,620

Median household income: $71,707

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 40 miles to Phoenix

This westernmost suburb of rapidly growing Phoenix has an affordable average home value of $324,895 (according to Zillow), and with its mix of master-planned communities, national retailers, and country stores, feels like a getaway from the Phoenix metro area. Buckeye is full of golf courses and outdoor activities. Major employers include Banner Health, American Express, and Bank of America.

New Braunfels, Texas

Percent increase: 56.4

2019 population: 90,209

Median household income: $71,044

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 175 miles to Houston

Settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, New Braunfels is located between Austin and San Antonio, taking advantage of the history and industry of both cities. You’ll see New Braunfels’ heritage everywhere you look in the downtown area, and the two local rivers, the Comal and the Guadalupe, are lined with parks and bike paths.

McKinney, Texas

Percent increase: 51.9

2019 population: 199,177

Median household income: $93,354

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 269 miles to Houston

Just 14 miles to the southwest of Frisco, McKinney shares many of the same attributes as that DFW suburb. It’s the home of a growing Raytheon division and near the headquarters of Southwest Airlines, plus all the Dallas area’s lakes and museums. With its historic downtown area, wildlife sanctuary, and vineyards, McKinney feels like an escape.

South Jordan, Utah

Percent increase: 51.8

2019 population: 76,462

Median household income: $91,228

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 14 miles to Salt Lake City

Just minutes south of Salt Lake City and close to all the phenomenal skiing of the Wasatch Mountains--as well as the growing star power of resort destinations like Park City)--South Jordan is not only one of the fastest growing cities but also one of the best for outdoor aficionados. Its median household income is 30% higher than the national median, and residents live close to big Utah employers like Goldman Sachs, Merit Medical Systems, and Ancestry.com.

Meridian, Idaho

Percent increase: 48.3

2019 population: 114,161

Median household income: $71,389

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 12 miles to Boise

Located just west of Boise—one of America’s most affordable cities—Meridian’s population has had a 1,000% increase in population since 1990, as the mostly agricultural community has built up around the capital city. Meridian is full of family parks and fun zones, and while it has a lower cost of living than the national average, its household income is higher. Due to its growth, though, Meridian is experiencing a housing boom; its median home prices have risen nearly 32% in the last year. The suburb is a great place for those employed by some of the area’s largest employers, including Hewlett Packard, Wells Fargo, Boise Cascade, and Micron Technology.

Cedar Park, Texas

Percent increase: 44.2

2019 population: 79,462

Median household income: $79,323

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 172 miles to Houston

A suburb of Austin (just 15 miles away), Cedar Park is known for its great schools, higher-than-average household income, and affordable home prices. Aside from its convenient proximity to Austin, its top local employers include major manufacturers like Voltabox, Corvalent, Texas Quarries, and National Oilwell Varco.

View of a city skyline.

Fort Myers, Florida

Percent increase: 39.8

2019 population: 87,103

Median household income: $46,409

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 300 miles to Jacksonville

With its miles of Gulf Coast beaches, Fort Myers was originally developed by local luminaries who had their winter estates here, like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. So although this beautiful destination has been a tourism draw for years, its historical downtown keeps it grounded. The cost of living in this part of Lee county is 15% lower than the national average, with utility expenses that are 12% lower. Although the median income is lower, too, so is the average home price: $260,103.

Conroe, Texas

Percent increase: 39.3

2019 population: 91,079

Median household income: $60,343

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 40 miles to Houston

Brewing companies, distilleries, historic farms, and history museums: all are in the quickly growing (but still rural-feeling) city of Conroe, just 40 miles outside Houston. It’s only a 10-minute drive from large employers of The Woodlands, such as Hewitt, Anadarko Petroleum, and Baker Hughes. It’s a principal city within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area and although it has all the big-city benefits also sits on the southwest corner of the scenic East Texas Piney Woods.

Irvine, California

Percent increase: 35.5

2019 population: 287,401

Median household income: $91,999

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 43 miles to Los Angeles

Home to the University of California, Irvine, the master-planned Orange County city is close enough to enjoy all the benefits of LA living. Still, with its golf courses and proximity to OC beaches, it feels more like a getaway zone. Irvine is the headquarters of tech companies Samsung and Toshiba, and hosts large employers Vizio, Taco Bell, and Broadcom. Although the average cost of a home is high, the median household income is well above the median national income.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Percent increase: 34.6

2019 population: 146,900

Median household income: $58,391

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 34 miles to Nashville

The historic town in Rutherford County is 40 minutes south of Nashville and is known for its Civil War battlefield landmarks. The beautiful arboretum and gardens of the Oaklands Mansion are nearby, and the Stone River runs through the city. The Nashville country music scene is not only thriving a short drive away but has expanded into close-by towns like Murfreesboro.

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Percent increase: 34.1

2019 population: 91,684

Median household income: $97,176

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 117 miles to Columbia

Those who love fancy Charleston living at slightly gentler prices love nearby Mount Pleasant, just over the Cooper River via the Ravenel Bridge. Settled since the 1700s, the area has history in spades, as well as beautiful parks and beaches. The major employers here are the U.S. Navy, Verizon, and Boeing, and the average household income is well above the national median.

Round Rock, Texas

Percent increase: 33.3

2019 population: 133,372

Median household income: $80,637

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 167 miles to Houston

Just 15 miles north of Austin, the city of Round Rock is the international headquarters of Dell Technologies, and that company, as well as the presence of major retailers, has turned Round Rock into what some term a “super suburb.” Even though its household income is higher than average, its median home price remains affordable at $397,679. Still, reflecting its growing popularity, home prices have risen 28.3% over the last year.

Goodyear, Arizona

Percent increase: 33.1

2019 population: 86,840

Median household income: $80,336

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 20 miles to Phoenix

Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training facility of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians, anchors Goodyear, a western suburb of fast-growing Phoenix. Fortune 500 companies love this city, and major employers include Microsoft, Amazon, Ball Corporation, and Nike. Those who love golf flock to the area, whose many courses are surrounded by palm trees, desert vistas, and views of the Sierra Estrella and White Tank Mountains.

Franklin, Tennessee

Percent increase: 32.8

2019 population: 83,097

Median household income: $94,808

Proximity to the state’s most populous city: 22 miles to Nashville

This once-key site in the Civil War has a historic downtown lined with 19th-century buildings that have been creatively redesigned as art galleries and hip local businesses. Franklin is a principal city of the greater Nashville area, and it has a household income that’s nearly 30% higher than the national median.  

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