The latest US Census Bureau figures on population growth reveal the cities that are growing the fastest.
However, the places that made the list might be ones you’ve never even heard of.
Just look at Celina, TX, which ranked No. 1 for fastest-growing cities with a population of 20,000 or more.
From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Celina, part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area, saw its population grow by 26.6%, more than 53 times that of the nation’s growth rate of 0.5%.
“The list of fastest-growing cities includes a lot of smaller cities that are not likely to be on many people’s radar,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist of Realtor.com®.
“Smaller areas often top these lists because their smaller size makes it easier for them to see large percent changes.”
“However, the percent growth is a good reflection of how significant the change is likely experienced by locals,” she adds.
“In the top two markets, there were more than five people in 2023 for every four in 2022, and the third-ranked city saw growth very close to this pace.”
With a median home price of $679,999, people likely aren’t moving there for the cheap housing, but for the city’s hourlong commute to Dallas, high rankings for schools (most 8 and above on the Realtor.com schools’ rankings), and low crime rates.
Behind Celina is the city of Fulshear, also in the Lone Star State.
(In fact, 8 of the 15 fastest-growing cities belonged to Texas, which owns the top four.)
Fulshear isn’t cheap either, with a median home price of $519,000.
Fulshear’s growth is likely due to its proximity to Houston, merely an hour away.
“A strong jobs market, relative housing affordability, and robust housing construction are just some of the factors that have attracted people to Texas in recent years,”…