Population growth occurred in cities and towns across the U.S. from 2023 to 2024, with 12 of the 15 cities experiencing the largest numeric gains located in the South or West, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimates released in May.
Five key takeaways from the data:
- Princeton, Texas, saw a 30.6% growth rate, putting it at the top of the list of fastest-growing cities in 2024. Seven of the top 15 fastest-growing cities are in Texas.
- The nation’s three largest cities — New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago — saw population growth of 1%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively. Houston, the fourth largest, saw growth of 1.8%.
- Among regions, the South experienced the highest average population growth. Cities and towns in the South with populations between 5,000 and 9,999 residents, as well as those with populations between 10,000 and 49,999 residents, saw average population growth of 1.6%. Those with populations below 5,000 saw average population growth of 0.6%.
- Small towns make up the largest portion of the U.S.’ incorporated places, with 75% of its 19,479 incorporated places — 14,603 cities — having populations of fewer than 5,000 residents in 2024. In comparison, only 4.2% (817 cities) had populations of 50,000 or more in 2024, and 1.8% (342 cities) had populations of 100,000 or more.
- Washington, D.C., added 14,926 residents in 2024, nearly doubling its population gain from the previous year.
Here are the 15 fastest-growing cities and towns between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, with populations of 20,000 or more as of July 1, 2023, according to the Census Bureau. They are listed with their growth rates.
1. Princeton, Texas — 30.6%
2. Fulshear, Texas — 26.9%
3. Leesburg, Fla. — 18.5%
4. Celina, Texas — 18.2%
5. Anna, Texas — 14.6%
6. Haines City, Fla. — 12.1%
7. Foley, Ala. — 12%
8. Fate, Texas — 11.4%
9. Rosemount, Minn. — 10.6%
10. Garner, N.C. — 10.4%
11. Melissa, Texas — 10%
12. Sugar Hill, Ga. — 9.5%
13. Hutto, Texas — 9.4%
14. Leland, N.C. — 9.4%
15. Erie, Colo. — 9.2%
Read more about the Census Bureau data here.
