In the United States, both natural population growth and the number of removals have declined in recent years, according to the US Census Bureau. However, that does not mean that all cities in the country are experiencing population decline. The city with the greatest absolute population growth between 2010 and 2020 is Phoenix.
A variety of factors are driving the populations of cities and towns in the United States. In places with increasing populations, birth rates may be higher, death rates may decrease, or people may come for better job opportunities or a lower cost of living – or it can be a combination take place from natural growth and migration.
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The ConsumerAffairs Research Team recently analyzed the 2010-2020 census data, the latest official statistics available, to identify the fastest growing cities by both population growth percentage and absolute numbers. There were several main points:
• The city with the greatest absolute population growth between 2010 and 2020 is Phoenix with over 262,000 inhabitants. Phoenix is currently the fifth largest city in the United States
• Among cities with a population of 100,000 or more in 2020, Frisco, Texas saw its most explosive growth by far, with an overall increase of 79.5% since 2010 – 18% more than the next fastest growing city.
• Texas is home to 9 of the 15 fastest growing cities in the US as measured by population growth percentages between 2010 and 2020. Seven are suburbs of Dallas, Houston or Austin.
• All 15 of the fastest growing cities in the US by population growth percentage are in the southern or western US
• Five of the top ten fastest growing cities in the United States by population are in Texas: San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, and Dallas, in order of highest to lowest population growth.
Population growth in numbers
The cities with the most new inhabitants between 2010 and 2020 include well-known metropolises. Here’s a look at the 15 fastest growing cities by population.
# 1 Phoenix, Arizona
Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix
Current population: 1,708,127 – 262,495 more people than in 2010
Home of the Grand Canyon, Arizona is known for its natural beauty, but the state’s scenic vistas extend beyond the national park. Phoenix residents are just a short drive from the Echo Canyon Trail, Lookout Mountain Preserve, and Quartz Ridge Trail. Downtown Phoenix has also attracted many businesses in recent years. In a survey of reasons new residents moved to Phoenix, 30% of respondents named job opportunities, 20% said affordability, and 12% named lifestyle. The unemployment rate was 6.2% in May 2021, close to the national average. As Phoenix’s popularity increases, so does the cost of living; the average home price is $ 395,000.
# 2 San Antonio, Texas
Current population: 1,567,118 – 239,711 more people than in 2010
San Antonio is perhaps best known as the home of the Alamo, but more and more people are turning to affordability and trendy neighborhoods like the Pearl District and the King William Historic District as the real attractions. Families also enjoy the zoo, the River Walk, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The average home price in San Antonio is $ 268,000 and the unemployment rate is around 5.3%.
# 3 Houston, Texas
Photo courtesy of the City of Houston
Current population: 2,316,120 – 216,669 more people than in 2010
Beyoncé, Kenny Rogers, and Shelley Duvall once called Houston home; in the past decade there have been so many more. Since 2010, Houston and the surrounding area have seen employment growth of 19%. The unemployment rate was around 6.6% in May 2021. Warm weather, family-friendly attractions, and sprawling neighborhoods have also helped boost the population. The average home price in Houston is $ 340,000.
# 4 Austin, Texas
Photo courtesy Christopher Sherman
Current population: 995,484 – 205,094 more people than in 2010
Austin has built a reputation for popularity with California expats. It has similar sunny weather and trendy dining and shopping scenes and has become a second home for tech giants like Facebook, Apple and Amazon. Austin also has unique attractions like Spring Pools and the kitschy Cathedral of Junk. People definitely understand Austin’s quirks, which makes it one of the more expensive places in Texas. The average home price is $ 575,000.
# 5 Fort Worth, Texas
Photo courtesy of the city of Fort Worth
Current population: 927,720 – 186,514 more people than 2010
There was a time when St. Louis was considered the gateway to the western United States, but Fort Worth describes itself as “where the west begins”. Attractions include the National Cowgirl Museum and several local rodeos. Fort Worth’s schools are some of the best in Texas, and the city is home to major corporations like American Airlines. Homes have remained relatively affordable at an average price of $ 300,000. The unemployment rate is around 5.3%.
# 6 Los Angeles, California
Current population: 3,970,219 – 177,598 more people than in 2010
Los Angeles has long been known for its cross-country character. While a fair share of new residents are hunting for fame, Los Angeles is also experiencing steady growth due to the laid-back Southern California lifestyle, tech job opportunities, and cultural attractions. Los Angeles is not an easy market for homebuyers, with an average home price of $ 969,000. The city also has a higher unemployment rate of around 10%.
# 7 Charlotte, North Carolina
Photo courtesy David Flower / City of Charlotte
Current population: 900,350 – 168,926 more people than in 2010
Named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, Charlotte, North Carolina is currently experiencing some growth in corporate job openings. The city is close to the Appalachian Mountains, making it ideal for people who want to balance urban and outdoor life. It’s also known for its food scene, which makes dining an attraction in its own right. The average home price is $ 360,000 and the unemployment rate was 4.3% in May 2021.
# 8 Seattle, Washington
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle
Current population: 769,714 – 161,054 more people than 2010
Amazon is Seattle’s largest employer, and its sprawling Washington campus is a major contributor to the city’s population growth. But apart from the technology industry, the residents also appreciate the mild weather, the picturesque Pacific Northwest and the relaxing café culture. For folks who aren’t big coffee drinkers, craft breweries are also great in town. There are also fancy living options, from houseboats to co-living spaces. The average home price is $ 769,000 and the King County’s unemployment rate was below 5% in May 2021.
# 9 Dallas, Texas
Current population: 1,343,266 – 145,450 more people than 2010
Dallas has a wide variety of jobs in a variety of industries. Commerce, transportation, and professional services are some of the largest industries in Dallas, and the unemployment rate is 5.3%. Dallas offers cultural attractions such as art museums and galleries, an opera house and a botanical garden. Sports fans can also watch games by the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers. The average home price in the city is $ 450,000.
# 10 Denver, Colorado
Current population: 735,538 – 135,380 people more than 2010
Denver is known for its outdoor beauty and cultural attractions. Larimer Square is a colorful street full of restaurants and shopping, and memorable open-air concerts are held at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Denver’s location means road trips to national parks across the western United States are always on the table. The city and its surroundings are also home to nearly 150 breweries. The median list price of a Denver home is $ 535,000, and the unemployment rate is roughly the national average.
# 11 Columbus, Ohio
Photo courtesy Experience Columbus
Current population: 903,852 – 116,819 more people than in 2010
Columbus is the cheapest city on this list for home ownership, with an average list price of $ 229,000. And it doesn’t miss out on attractions – it has a fun nightlife scene, thanks in large part to Ohio State University. Families also love the city for its zoo and Legoland Discovery Center. The unique neighborhoods of Columbus, including German Village, have tons of streets to explore. Healthcare is a major industry in Columbus that has several large medical facilities. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (as of May 2021) below the national level.
# 12 San Diego, California
Current population: 1,422,420 – 115,018 more people than in 2010
Southern California is one of the biggest surfing destinations and San Diego is one of the top surfing cities with Mission Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Beach. Beaches aren’t just for surfing, however, and the laid-back seaside lifestyle that San Diego is known for attracts new residents. Manufacturing and military / defense are some of the largest industries in the city. The average home price is $ 790,000 and the unemployment rate was 6.4% in May 2021, just above the national average.
# 13 Washington, DC
Current population: 712,816 – 111,093 more people than 2010
Washington, DC seems best known for politics and government. But behind the White House and Capitol Hill are charming neighborhoods, world-class museums, and riverside parks. Cyclists also love the more than 60 miles of trails to explore. The skyline is unique, no building is higher than the Washington Monument. While nearby suburbs are cheaper, DC homes are expensive with an average list price of $ 610,000. The unemployment rate was 7% in June 2021.
# 14 Jacksonville, Florida
Photo courtesy of the City of Jacksonville
Current population: 920,570 – 98,786 more people than in 2010
Jacksonville has the nation’s largest urban park system, covering over 80,000 acres. These public parks span miles of coastline. Beyond the beach, Jacksonville’s First Wednesday Art Walk provides an opportunity to explore the local art scene and enjoy snacks from food trucks. The MOSH, or Museum of Science and History, is fun for children and adults alike. The average home price in Jacksonville is $ 250,000 and the unemployment rate was 4.2% in May 2021.
# 15 Frisco, Texas
Current population: 209,980 – 92,991 more people than 2010
Frisco is the only city that has our lists for both percentage and population growth. Its many amenities and proximity to Dallas make it popular for commuters and those who want to be part of a smaller community and still be able to access all that a larger city has to offer.
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