What are the fastest growing cities in the U.S.?

The past few years, the word “fast” has taken on a whole new meaning. More specifically, how fast our whole world can change and how fast we can adapt. Naturally, cities are following suit, and are adapting to quickly meet this new and exciting demand. Retirees, job seekers, new families and remote workers all helped contribute to the rapid growth in new cities today.

Based on data taken from a 2022 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, the most recent report available, new cities in the West and South have taken center stage. Although things are constantly changing, here’s a spotlight on some of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.

Why do certain cities grow faster than others?

Many factors can make one city grow faster than another. But the economy, housing and job market are almost always part of the equation. Beneath this umbrella are variables like population growth, unemployment rates, new business ventures, household income, taxes and affordable housing.

Throw everything into the state of an unprecedented time and we’re looking at an entirely different landscape — one with hybrid and remote working models, social overhauls and the opportunity to start fresh in a brand new city. You’ll find some people even mixing and matching the benefits of working out of one city and living in another.

The fastest growing states in the U.S.

The past few years have caused many people to reevaluate how — and eventually where — they’ll look to live, resulting in an uptick in relocations. An undeniably large volume of U.S. citizens found themselves heading to states in the West and the South. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, here are nine of the states who saw the biggest population growth:

• Texas
• Florida
• North Carolina
  
• Georgia
• Arizona
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Washington
• Utah

The fastest growing cities in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these are some of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Remember, these numbers are constantly changing and evolving, much like the world we live in. These cities are just a sneak peak of some of the many rapidly growing communities in the United States:

Frisco, TX

Frisco, TX is a haven for sports fans. Whether watching their local soccer league FC Dallas or watching the Dallas Cowboys practice at The Star, there’s something for every avid sports lover. Fun fact: Frisco is also home to the largest Pong console at the National Videogame Museum.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.24 percent
• Household income (median): $127,055
• Unemployment rate (by state): 4.8 percent
• Home value (median): $712,324
• Job growth (by state): 5.72 percent

Buckeye, AZ

Craving warm weather year round? Buckeye, AZ might be the next place you call home. Buckeye has plenty of hiking and sites to see, including the Desert Botanical Garden the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. If you’re planning a family, Buckeye has some of the best schools in the state of Arizona.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.6 percent
• Household income (median): $71,707
• Unemployment rate (by state): 3.7 percent
• Home value (median): $401,093
• Job growth (by state): 5.11 percent

Meridian, ID

Not looking for warm weather or desert fun? Meridian, ID is the second largest city in Idaho after Boise and is considered the state’s fastest growing city. The cold weather won’t keep you down for long –  Meridian has plenty of sites to see thanks to its many parks and the Children’s Museum of Idaho is fun for children and adults alike.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.96 percent
• Household income (median): $71,389
• Unemployment rate (by state): 3.0 percent
• Home value (median): $562,182
• Job growth (by state): 1.89 percent

Kennewick, WA

Just further west of Meridian lies Kennewick, WA. With plenty of hiking trails and parks, this location is ideal for any nature lover looking for a new home. Visit Clover Island and see the first lighthouse built in the United States since 1962.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.17 percent
• Household income (median): $59,533
• Unemployment rate (by state): 4.4 percent
• Home value (median): $401,725
• Job growth (by state): 6.26 percent

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Only a short drive from the state’s capital of Charleston, this historical city has plenty of sites to see including the historic Old Village and a stop at Pitt Street Pharmacy is key!

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.22 percent
• Household income (median): $103,232
• Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
• Home value (median): $646,713
• Job growth (by state): 2.39 percent

Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, TN continues to be one of the Tennessee's fastest growing major cities. Enjoy the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History or visit its downtown area to see many of its historic sites. If you want to visit Nashville, it’s only an hour drive.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 0.83 percent
• Household income (median): $62,003
• Unemployment rate (by state): 3.5 percent
• Home value (median): $387,924
• Job growth (by state): 3.33 percent

St. George, UT

Zion National Park is filled with stunning sandstone cliffs and views that’ll never get old. The Kayenta Art Village has plenty of local galleries, shops, and studios where artists thrive. Its historic downtown area is full of historic homes, buildings, and plenty to see and do.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 1.58 percent
• Household income (median): $59,839
• Unemployment rate (by state): 2.2 percent
• Home value (median): $528,549
• Job growth (by state): 4.31 percent

Bend, OR

Located right on the Deschutes River, Bend has plenty of mountainous views. Thanks to those mountains, Bend is a popular hiking and skiing destination, and is even home to an extinct volcano. If you’re a family with one (or a whole crew!) of dogs and are looking for a place to settle, there are plenty of pet friendly restaurants and small businesses to visit after hiking their many trails.

• Population growth (annual, by state): 0.84 percent
• Household income (median): $65,662
• Unemployment rate (by state): 4.3 percent
• Home value (median): $731,546
• Job growth (by state): 6.20 percent

West Hartford, CT

If your heart is calling you to the east coast, West Hartford, CT might be a city to visit and maybe even move to.  Elizabeth Park has formal gardens, walking loops, and more to enjoy on sunny days.

• Population growth (annual): - 0.18 percent
• Household income (median): $123,008
• Unemployment rate (by state): 5.3 percent
• Home value (median): $325,620
• Job growth (by state): 3.23 percent

Where will you find yourself next? Now that you’ve learned more about the fastest cities in the U.S., you’re ready to find the next one to call home.