Fastest-Growing Cities In The U.S. Include Surprising Newcomers

The latest population data from the U.S. Census Bureau has revealed some unexpected trends in urban growth across the nation.

Cities like Celina, Texas, have emerged as the fastest-growing areas, boasting a population increase of 26.6% from July 2022 to July 2023. The city's growth rate is more than 53 times the national average of 0.5%, suggesting a shift toward smaller, less well-known cities.

Driving the trend is a combination of factors, including job opportunities, affordable housing, and high-quality living conditions, according to a Realtor.com report issued on Thursday. While Texas cities dominate the list, with eight out of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the state, other regions also show notable growth.

The surge in population in places like Celina points to a broader migration pattern favoring suburban and exurban areas. The shift has the potential to change the real estate landscape, as the cities now rank among the top for new residents.

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Fulshear, Texas, which saw a population increase of 25.6%, is another example of a booming city driven by its proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Located an hour away from Houston, Fulshear is a suburban city, making it a potentially popular choice for families. The city’s median home price stands at $519,000, while the median-priced home in the U.S. was $393,500 in March, according to Bankrate. 

California’s Lathrop, the only non-Texas city in the top five, saw a growth rate of 13.6%. Known for its recent economic development and tech industry presence, Lathrop has transformed from a small town to an exurban hub, according to Realtor.com. The median home price in Lathrop is $741,600, the highest among the top five, highlighting the city’s appeal to tech workers seeking more space and amenities.

Princeton and Anna, Texas, also made the list, with growth rates of 22.3% and 16.9%, respectively. Princeton, with a median home price of $350,000, offers more affordable housing options compared to its neighboring cities. Anna, on the other hand, has a median home price of $427,500.

Both cities benefit from their proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, providing access to jobs and urban amenities while maintaining a suburban lifestyle.

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The growth of these cities is closely linked to the availability of housing, the report noted. Texas, in particular, has seen substantial additions to its housing stock. In Harris County, for instance, housing units have increased significantly, supporting the county’s population surge. Similarly, Travis County and Collin County have expanded their housing capacities, accommodating new residents drawn to the area's economic opportunities and quality of life.

The population boom is mirrored in other states as well. In California, Los Angeles County continues to grow, adding thousands of housing units to meet the demand. Arizona’s Maricopa County has also been a hot spot for new housing developments.

The 15 fastest-growing U.S. cities and their median home prices, according to Realtor.com, are:

1. Celina, Texas ($679,999)
2. Fulshear, Texas ($519,000)
3. Princeton, Texas ($350,000)
4. Anna, Texas ($427,500)
5. Lathrop, California ($741,600)
6. Centerton, Arkansas ($447,800)
7. Haines City, Florida ($338,000)
8. Georgetown, Texas ($499,500)
9. Prosper, Texas ($919,000)
10. Forney, Texas ($377,990)
11. Kyle, Texas ($375,000)
12. Lebanon, Tennessee ($484,900)
13. Fort Mill, South Carolina ($519,900)
14. Leesburg, Florida ($329,250)
15. Athens, Ohio ($315,000)
    
    

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