Fastest-growing cities of the decade
The United States is growing. Since 2010, the national population has increased 5.96%, or 18,409,429 residents. The states that led in population growth were Texas, Florida, Utah, Colorado, and the District of Columbia.
While the population growth is largely due to increases in birth rates and immigration, the states also have experienced state-to-state migration. The ones suffering the most from out-migration were West Virginia, Illinois, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
There are many reasons why someone would choose to move and settle in another area. While access to jobs is important, lifestyle, educational opportunities, amenities, and cost of living are also considerations. The Sun Belt—the strip of states that include much of the South and the Southwest—for example, has seen significant population growth since the 1960s due to the influx of retirees and the availability of air conditioning. This area has not only seen the rise of resort areas, but new manufacturing and educational opportunities due to the increased population.
To best illustrate how the nation has changed, Stacker compiled data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey for the years of 2010 and 2018 (the most recent year) to rank which 50 cities grew the most this decade. The cities are ranked by the nine-year change in population, and ties are broken by the total population in 2018.
It should be noted that 16 of the cities profiled are in Texas, with only seven cities located outside the Sun Belt. The combination of warm weather, significant manufacturing and industrial investment, and access to jobs have encouraged significant influxes of new residents. Areas that have seen new development or have recently expanded saw large population increases.
Other communities, such as those that are both conveniently commutable to large industrial centers and have low property prices, may have also seen population increases. These communities—called sleeper towns or bedroom communities—may not have an industrial base of their own, but are close enough to a major municipality to accommodate for this. Some bedroom communities are fully developed cities in their own right, with a well-established commercial and industrial base.
Keep reading to see if your city made our list.
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#50. Concord, North Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 79,330
- Total population in 2018: 94,134 (+18.7% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.6% (0.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 21.3% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.9% (34.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 27.4% (-1.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.1% (-2.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.7% (-1.0% lower than 2010)
Concord is the county seat of Cabarrus County and the second-largest city in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Growth in jobs creation in Charlotte is a major factor in Concord’s spike. The home of NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway, a NASCAR Research and Development office, and several racing teams, the city is a major one in the car racing community. Concord is also home to the shopping mall Concord Mills.
#49. Menifee, California
- Total population in 2010: 78,018
- Total population in 2018: 92,602 (+18.7% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.2% (0.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.8% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 32.1% (28.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.5% (-0.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 15.6% (2.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.6% (1.2% higher than 2010)
A city 15 miles north of Temecula, Menifee is a city located geographically in the center of the Southern California region. Bordered by Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta, Menifee is a highly affluent part of the Los Angeles Statistical Area. Growth can be attributed to its job market increase and planned community construction.
#48. Gilbert, Arizona
- Total population in 2010: 209,007
- Total population in 2018: 248,269 (+18.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.0% (1.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 26.0% (-2.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 32.6% (37.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.2% (0.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.1% (-3.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.3% (-1.1% lower than 2010)
The fifth-largest city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert has grown due to its highly diverse economic base. Formerly the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” the city had an agricultural base until the 1980s.
#47. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 734,418
- Total population in 2018: 872,506 (+18.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.3% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.2% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 39.5% (40.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.1% (-1.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.8% (-2.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.0% (0.3% higher than 2010)
Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina and the 17th largest city by population in the nation. The major city and its surrounding communities host two NASCAR Cup Series races, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and several NASCAR teams. Charlotte is also the home of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and the PGA Tour’s Wells Fargo Championship.
#46. Santa Clarita, California
- Total population in 2010: 176,535
- Total population in 2018: 210,085 (+19.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.5% (-1.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.1% (3.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.2% (33.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.6% (-0.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 11.2% (-2.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.4% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
Robert E. Lang of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University came up with the notion of a "boomburg," which is a suburb with more than 100,000 residents that grew more than 10% in consecutive censuses and is not considered a core component of its metropolitan areas. While most of the entries on this list are "boomburgs," Santa Clarita is the definitive one—a suburb of Los Angeles, the city can attribute its population growth to annexation.
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#45. Spring Valley, Nevada
- Total population in 2010: 179,830
- Total population in 2018: 214,161 (+19.1% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.3% (0.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 15.9% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 38.6% (40.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 25.2% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.4% (-2.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.6% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
An unincorporated town in the Las Vegas Township, Spring Valley is located only two miles west of the Strip. Originally a planned community that lies on the former site of the Stardust International Raceway, the town has grown to occupy most of the southwestern quarter of the Las Vegas Valley. The recent growth is due in large part to migration—particularly from California—and its late development relative to the rest of the region.
#44. Indio, California
- Total population in 2010: 76,512
- Total population in 2018: 91,235 (+19.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.0% (2.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 11.2% (16.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 34.4% (30.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.2% (-6.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 20.3% (-7.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.0% (0.9% higher than 2010)
The home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio has been nicknamed the City of Festivals. Located 23 miles east of Palm Springs and 127 miles east of Los Angeles, Indio got its post-railroad start as a winter retreat for the elderly. The city started to grow with the burning of nearby Thermal. After years of losing population to Palm Desert, the trend has reversed recently.
#43. St. George, Utah
- Total population in 2010: 73,078
- Total population in 2018: 87,178 (+19.3% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.8% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.7% (4.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 30.5% (31.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 19.0% (-1.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 20.6% (-5.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 3.6% (-0.3% lower than 2010)
The county seat of Washington County, St. George sits on Utah’s southern border with Arizona. The state’s largest city by population outside the Wasatch Front, St. George is the fastest-growing city in the nation, as of 2018. The city’s growth is bolstered by SkyWest Airlines headquarters located in the city, as well as distribution centers for WalMart and Family Dollar. A large part of the area’s business comes from tourism; the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon are all nearby.
#42. Orlando, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 239,037
- Total population in 2018: 285,705 (+19.5% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.8% (0.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 14.4% (2.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 45.1% (44.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.7% (-0.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.5% (-1.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.4% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
One of the largest amusement park destination cities, Orlando has seen a recent resurgence. While the city proper has a population of 285,713 in 2018, the Orlando Metropolitan Area—which serves host to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and ICON Park—has a population of 2,509,831. The city is the home of the University of Central Florida, which has the largest university campus in the nation in terms of enrollment.
#41. Durham, North Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 229,029
- Total population in 2018: 274,497 (+19.9% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.7% (1.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 17.5% (1.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 40.6% (42.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.9% (-1.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 11.1% (-3.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.2% (0.5% higher than 2010)
One corner of North Carolina's "Research Triangle," Durham has emerged as a leading research and innovation center, accounting for its recent growth. The home of Duke University, the city has become a national leader in health and health research.
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#40. Milpitas, California
- Total population in 2010: 67,011
- Total population in 2018: 80,424 (+20.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.3% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 18.1% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 39.3% (41.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.7% (2.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.0% (-2.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.6% (-1.2% lower than 2010)
Milpitas is located in Silicon Valley and is a bedroom community to San Jose. The city has seen expected growth due to tech employee residents and commuters. The home of FireEye, Intersil, LSI Corporation, Maxtor and other companies. With overcrowding becoming a pressing issue, the city is working to keep its open spaces—such as its west-facing hillsides—free from development.
#39. Bellevue, Washington
- Total population in 2010: 122,808
- Total population in 2018: 147,595 (+20.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.0% (-0.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 16.5% (2.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 38.6% (37.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.5% (-0.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 11.9% (-0.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.5% (0.3% higher than 2010)
The third-largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area, Bellevue straddles the definitions of a “boom city” and an “edge city”—which is a city that represents a concentration of business, retail, and entertainment that was previously a suburb outside the central core of a metropolis. The home of Expedia, T-Mobile, and Valve, the city has left behind its suburban identity and is a municipality of its own, despite it vicinity to Seattle.
#38. Henderson, Nevada
- Total population in 2010: 258,138
- Total population in 2018: 310,374 (+20.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.1% (1.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 18.9% (0.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 30.3% (31.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 26.8% (2.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 16.9% (-4.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.0% (-1.0% lower than 2010)
Henderson is the home of Lake Las Vegas, an artificial reservoir that has evolved into a resort. Not far removed from the Las Vegas Strip, Henderson was once an industrial center. The explosion of the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada’s rocket fuel factory in 1988 cleared the way for the current rash of development in the area.
#37. Carmel, Indiana
- Total population in 2010: 79,447
- Total population in 2018: 95,767 (+20.5% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.9% (1.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 21.3% (3.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 30.4% (28.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.7% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.5% (-4.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.3% (0.5% higher than 2010)
A northern adjacent city to Indianapolis, Carmel is a highly affluent and well-educated city in central Indiana. The “Beverly Hills of the Midwest,” the city has a median household income in excess of $100,000. CNO Financial Group, Allegion, and Delta Faucet all call Carmel home. Its spike can be attributed to a great education system, quality of life, and new business growth, which has lowered property taxes.
#36. Fort Worth, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 744,114
- Total population in 2018: 898,919 (+20.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.7% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 22.7% (0.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 36.5% (38.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.5% (-1.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.5% (-1.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.3% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
The fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth is the smaller twin city to Dallas. The home of Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center, the city also hosts the national headquarters of Pier 1, American Airlines, BNSF Railway, and XTO Energy.
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#35. Spring Hill, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 97,103
- Total population in 2018: 117,519 (+21.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.7% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 16.8% (1.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 28.8% (27.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 25.2% (0.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 20.7% (1.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.6% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
Located north of Tampa, Spring Hill is an unincorporated planned community. Absorbing some of the growth of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, the area grew due to the Suncoast Parkway, which passes through the town.
#34. Atascocita, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 71,245
- Total population in 2018: 86,243 (+21.1% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.8% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 23.6% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 35.9% (41.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 25.7% (-4.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 6.1% (-1.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.9% (-1.4% lower than 2010)
An unincorporated suburb of Houston, Atascocita was named the 21st best place to live in the nation by USA Today in 2017. The area’s large number of golf courses and nearby Lake Houston’s boating and fishing opportunities make the area ideal for rest and relaxation. Atascocita was in part annexed by Houston in the 1960s, but released in the 1970s.
#33. Manteca, California
- Total population in 2010: 67,338
- Total population in 2018: 81,593 (+21.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.0% (2.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.3% (5.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.6% (32.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.2% (-4.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.5% (-4.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.3% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
Located 76 miles east of San Francisco, Manteca is home of the largest Memorial Day commemoration on the West Cast. Sandwiched between Modesto and Stockton, Manteca has been served by the construction of the bypass of State Route 120. Since the construction, the city has been a popular spot for commuters.
#32. Austin, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 795,518
- Total population in 2018: 964,243 (+21.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.3% (1.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 16.3% (2.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 45.9% (46.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.2% (-1.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.3% (-2.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.1% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
The capital of Texas, Austin is defined by its independent, “weird” by Texas standards way of life. The 11th-most populous city in the nation, the recent spike is highlighted in part by U.S. News & World Report’s ranking Austin as the #1 city to live in 2017 and 2018. A high-tech hub, the city has corporate presences from Indeed, Charles Schwab, PayPal, Facebook, 3M, eBay, Samsung, Xerox, and many other companies. The city is also the home of the University of Texas at Austin.
#31. Richardson, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 99,721
- Total population in 2018: 120,954 (+21.3% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.2% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.6% (-1.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 36.7% (39.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.9% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.6% (-3.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.1% (0.6% higher than 2010)
An inner suburb of Dallas, Richardson is the home of the Telecom Corridor, a high concentration of communication companies. Among the companies that are situated in Richardson are AT&T, Verizon, Cisco, Samsung, MetroPCS, Fujitsu, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, GEICO, and State Farm. The city was also ranked as a top 10 contributor for population growth in the North Central Texas region.
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#30. Denton, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 114,100
- Total population in 2018: 138,553 (+21.4% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 4.1% (1.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.1% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 44.9% (48.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 19.8% (-1.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.7% (-2.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.4% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
A city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Denton is the seat of Denton County. The home of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the city also includes the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Denton hosts the Denton Arts and Jazz festival, the 35 Denton Music Festival, and the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. The spike in population is indicative of the wider DFW area, which saw the biggest rise in residents of any U.S. metro from 2017–18.
#29. Allen, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 84,888
- Total population in 2018: 103,378 (+21.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.1% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 21.1% (3.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 29.6% (35.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 33.1% (-6.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.2% (-4.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.0% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
Another suburb of Dallas, Allen has grown from a small town to a large city largely due to traffic from U.S. Route 75 and the nearby Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The city is a bedroom community for Dallas and is known for its schools.
#28. Seattle, Washington
- Total population in 2010: 610,710
- Total population in 2018: 744,949 (+22.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.1% (0.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 12.4% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 47.7% (45.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 21.7% (3.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 11.5% (-3.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.6% (0.6% higher than 2010)
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. A seaport and the seat of King County, the city has emerged as a major tech and service hub. Amazon.com, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, T-Mobile, and Expedia are all located near or in the city. The city is also known for its music scene; Quincy Jones, Nirvana, Ray Charles, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, and Soundgarden all had their starts in the city.
#27. Cape Coral, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 154,668
- Total population in 2018: 189,342 (+22.4% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 4.5% (0.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 14.0% (7.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 24.6% (28.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 31.5% (-2.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 22.2% (-7.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 3.1% (-0.7% lower than 2010)
Cape Coral is the largest city located between Miami and Tampa. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the city is known for its large number of navigable waterways. Located near the Everglades, the city is rich in natural beauty. The city had its start as a planned community. The population growth is due to an increase in home buyers seeking the safety and weather of the region.
#26. Odessa, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 99,554
- Total population in 2018: 122,440 (+23.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 8.8% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 23.3% (1.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 37.3% (35.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 21.2% (-0.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.6% (1.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.8% (0.5% higher than 2010)
Odessa is a West Texas city, located close to the New Mexico border. The seat of Ector County, the city's growth is due in large part to the oil boom. The city has since diversified into logistics, serving as a center for distribution services for companies like Coca-Cola and Family Dollar. The city has also built a wind farm and a coal pollution mitigation plant.
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#25. College Station, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 94,246
- Total population in 2018: 116,218 (+23.3% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.1% (-0.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 22.9% (1.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 51.2% (53.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 13.0% (-0.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 7.4% (-3.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.4% (0.2% higher than 2010)
Named due to Texas A&M University’s location on a train line, College Station is a major research hub. Due to Texas A&M’s designation as a Land, Sea, and Space Grant University, the city has hosted projects from NASA and the Office of Naval Research..
#24. Arden-Arcade, California
- Total population in 2010: 87,272
- Total population in 2018: 107,894 (+23.6% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.2% (-1.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 18.0% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 37.0% (37.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.8% (1.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 11.7% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.3% (1.2% higher than 2010)
Located east of Sacramento, Arden-Arcade is a census-designated place in California. A bedroom community to Sacramento, the community saw rapid growth the 2010s, in part due to the Silicon Valley boom.
#23. Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Total population in 2010: 68,157
- Total population in 2018: 84,605 (+24.1% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 4.6% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 16.2% (-0.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.3% (28.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.1% (7.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 21.9% (-5.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.0% (0.2% higher than 2010)
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and the fourth-largest city in the state. Santa Fe’s population has steadily grown from census to census. The recent spike is directly connected to the rise in new housing units. The city is the largest city near the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Sandia National Laboratories; the city is also host to the Santa Fe Institute and the National Center for Genome Research.
#22. North Charleston, South Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 95,548
- Total population in 2018: 119,214 (+24.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.6% (3.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 22.2% (-2.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 41.0% (40.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 19.8% (0.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.3% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.0% (0.1% higher than 2010)
North Charleston has steadily increased its population since the redevelopment of the decommissioned Charleston Naval Shipyard. The city is the host of Joint Base Charleston and received a boost to its economy when Boeing choose the city to host the construction of the 787 aircraft.
#21. Cary, North Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 135,418
- Total population in 2018: 169,537 (+25.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.2% (2.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.9% (0.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.8% (37.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.9% (-3.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 12.1% (-5.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.1% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
Located in the Research Triangle in North Carolina, Cary is midway between Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Serving as a bedroom community to the larger cities in the Triangle, Cary is the home of Epic Games and Arista Networks. A rise in new housing in proximity to shopping and employment has meant an influx of both young people and retirees.
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#20. Round Rock, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 102,441
- Total population in 2018: 128,490 (+25.4% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.5% (2.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 22.9% (3.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 38.8% (39.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.3% (-1.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.9% (-4.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.7% (-0.3% lower than 2010)
A suburb of Austin, Round Rock is the fabled home of Dell Computers. A bedroom community, the city has developed a reputation and industrial base of its own, separate of its host city. Round Rock has seen an understandable influx of migration related to the constantly developing Austin downtown.
#19. Goodyear, Arizona
- Total population in 2010: 65,445
- Total population in 2018: 82,837 (+26.6% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.0% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 17.3% (6.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 33.5% (37.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 25.3% (-3.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 17.3% (-8.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.6% (0.1% higher than 2010)
Named after the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Goodyear is a suburb of Phoenix. Originally established to produce cotton for the cords needed for Goodyear’s tires, the fields were sold off in the 1980s for commercial and residential development, most of which have happened post-1990.
#18. League City, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 83,848
- Total population in 2018: 106,188 (+26.6% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.9% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 24.1% (-0.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 30.6% (40.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 28.2% (-5.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.8% (-3.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.4% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
League City is a suburb of Houston located in Galveston County. League City is the largest city in its county. The population grew when families moved following rising property costs in Galveston.
#17. Edinburg, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 77,613
- Total population in 2018: 98,671 (+27.1% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 8.4% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 25.0% (0.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 40.4% (39.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 17.1% (2.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.3% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.7% (0.4% higher than 2010)
The seat of Hidalgo County, Texas, Edinburg is located near the Mexican border in southern Texas. The home of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg is a regional educational hub, the primary factor behind its growth. Edinburg is also a bedroom community for Brownsville and Corpus Christi.
#16. Bend, Oregon
- Total population in 2010: 76,723
- Total population in 2018: 97,590 (+27.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.2% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.6% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 34.5% (35.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.0% (2.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 14.2% (-1.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 2.7% (-1.0% lower than 2010)
Bend is a city in central Oregon that serves as the seat of Deschutes County. Originally a logging community, the city has become a mecca for outdoor sports. Bend is a commuting hub for Silicon Valley and is the home of the final Blockbuster Video store in the world.
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#15. Midland, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 111,238
- Total population in 2018: 142,339 (+28.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 9.1% (-1.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.8% (2.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 38.7% (35.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 21.4% (1.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.8% (1.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.3% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
Midland is a city in western Texas located on the Southern Plains. The oil boom in the region has prompted a population gain in recent years.
#14. Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Total population in 2010: 109,220
- Total population in 2018: 141,336 (+29.4% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.0% (1.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.7% (0.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 43.9% (44.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 20.4% (-1.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.2% (-1.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.7% (0.1% higher than 2010)
The seat of Rutherford County, Murfreesboro is located in the geographic and population centers of Tennessee. A suburb of Nashville, the city is home to Middle Tennessee State University; Nissan also has a manufacturing presence in the city. Growth is due to the robust Nashville population and economy, as well as Murfreesboro’s low crime, attractive property taxes, and excellent schools.
#13. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- Total population in 2010: 68,112
- Total population in 2018: 89,340 (+31.2% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 4.5% (1.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.6% (-0.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 31.7% (34.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 26.8% (2.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 14.7% (-5.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 3.0% (-1.5% lower than 2010)
A suburb of Charleston—from which population growth, in response to rising rent, has been expanding to surrounding areas—Mount Pleasant is South Carolina’s fourth-largest community. The home of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the town is a bedroom community. It is connected to Charleston via the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.
#12. Fort Myers, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 62,429
- Total population in 2018: 82,260 (+31.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.0% (0.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 16.3% (6.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 29.8% (33.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.7% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 20.8% (-7.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 3.4% (-1.7% lower than 2010)
The former winter home for Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers is the seat of Lee County. The population of the city started to increase at a quickened rate with the construction of the Edison Bridge in the 1930s.
#11. Irvine, California
- Total population in 2010: 212,982
- Total population in 2018: 282,584 (+32.7% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.4% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 20.2% (1.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 40.3% (43.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.6% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.4% (-1.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.2% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
The home of the University of California, Irvine and Concordia University, Irvine is the hub of Southern California's technology and semiconductor sectors. Blizzard Entertainment, Western Digital, Obsidian Entertainment, Kelley Blue Book, and HID all have their headquarters in the city. Education and tech are both enormous factors in attracting steady numbers of new residents.
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#10. Riverview, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 66,415
- Total population in 2018: 89,982 (+35.5% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.7% (2.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.3% (2.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 36.1% (34.0% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 27.2% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.8% (-2.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.0% (0.0% lower than 2010)
Riverview is an unincorporated community in central Florida. A part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, Riverview’s growth has benefited from the region becoming a center for information processing for the financial industry; Riverview is also a bedroom community of Tampa.
#9. Pearland, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 90,811
- Total population in 2018: 124,321 (+36.9% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.8% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 21.1% (3.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 34.7% (37.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.8% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 13.2% (-7.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.4% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
Pearland is a highly affluent suburb of Houston. Many of the residents work at the nearby Houston’s Texas Medical Center, as well as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. With the construction of these facilities, the community became a commuter hotspot and an ideal location for medical-associated companies.
#8. Kent, Washington
- Total population in 2010: 92,722
- Total population in 2018: 129,613 (+39.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.4% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 21.0% (-0.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 34.4% (38.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.5% (-2.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.7% (-2.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.9% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
Kent, Wash., is a city in King County, located halfway between Seattle and Tacoma. Another city that has grown due to annexation, Kent has been instrumental in space exploration. Kent is home to the Boeing Space Center—where the lunar rovers used for the Apollo missions were built—and the manufacturing facilities for Blue Origin.
#7. San Tan Valley, Arizona
- Total population in 2010: 74,977
- Total population in 2018: 105,922 (+41.3% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.5% (4.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 27.0% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 32.3% (38.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.1% (-8.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.8% (-5.3% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.4% (0.2% higher than 2010)
A bedroom community for Phoenix, San Tan Valley is located southeast of the city. The largest named area in Pinal County, the community is known for its golf courses. People continue to migrate here for the increase in jobs and low sales and income taxes.
#6. Meridian, Idaho
- Total population in 2010: 75,324
- Total population in 2018: 106,794 (+41.8% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 6.4% (1.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 25.3% (1.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 33.6% (34.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 25.1% (-2.4% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 8.9% (-2.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.8% (0.0% lower than 2010)
Meridian is a city in Ada County. The state's second-largest city by population, it has jumped from under 10,000 residents in the 1990s to over 100,000 today. This has been attributed to the development of new businesses in the area and attracting families due in part to its safety.
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#5. McKinney, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 132,147
- Total population in 2018: 191,666 (+45.0% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.0% (2.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 24.2% (0.9% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 34.3% (39.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 23.4% (-4.2% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.3% (-3.9% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.8% (-0.1% lower than 2010)
An exurb of Dallas, McKinney is the seat of Collin County. Benefiting from—and similar to—Dallas’ population growth, the city became a bedroom community to Plano and Dallas. Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems is based in the city.
#4. Sugar Land, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 79,472
- Total population in 2018: 118,614 (+49.3% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 4.4% (1.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.7% (1.8% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 29.2% (28.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 29.4% (4.6% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 15.7% (-6.7% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.7% (-0.5% lower than 2010)
Located 19 miles southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land is a densely populated suburb in eastern Texas. Highly affluent, the city has a median household income of $105,400 and job market annual increase of 3.2%. Beverage manufacturer Minute Maid is headquartered in Sugar Land. A steady rise in planned communities has meant new home construction and more residents.
#3. Lehigh Acres, Florida
- Total population in 2010: 88,196
- Total population in 2018: 135,272 (+53.4% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.2% (0.3% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 23.1% (-1.8% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 33.5% (32.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 24.3% (0.5% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 10.8% (0.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 1.2% (1.7% higher than 2010)
Lehigh Acres is an unincorporated area in Lee County. A suburb of Fort Myers and Cape Coral, it is a bedroom community that has become attractive due to collapsed real estate prices that only recently recovered following the housing market collapse of 2008.
#2. Enterprise, Nevada
- Total population in 2010: 118,697
- Total population in 2018: 187,078 (+57.6% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 7.5% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 19.9% (0.4% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 40.9% (46.2% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 22.0% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 9.3% (-5.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.4% (0.1% higher than 2010)
Located in the Las Vegas Valley, Enterprise is an unincorporated town in southern Nevada. A resort suburb of Las Vegas—thus constantly attracting those who wish to live nearby Sin City—Enterprise is the home of the open-air entertainment and shopping complex Town Square Las Vegas and the Silverton Las Vegas hotel and casino. Since 2000, its population has seen a ninefold increase.
#1. Frisco, Texas
- Total population in 2010: 117,839
- Total population in 2018: 188,153 (+59.7% nine-year change)
--- Population under age 5: 5.5% (6.1% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 5-19: 27.2% (0.0% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 20-44: 32.3% (40.7% higher than 2010)
--- Population ages 45-64: 26.2% (-10.1% lower than 2010)
--- Population ages 65-84: 7.8% (-3.5% lower than 2010)
--- Population over age 85: 0.8% (-0.6% lower than 2010)
A suburb of Dallas, Frisco is the fastest-growing city in the last decade. A bedroom community to Dallas-Fort Worth, the city is a regional retail hub. The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Frisco "Tree City USA." A great school district, retail, housing, and in general quality of life have all contributed.
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