Special Report

Fastest Growing Place in Every State

JohnnyH5 / Getty Images

Slightly more than one in every 10 Americans packed up and moved to a new home in 2017.

While reasons for relocating vary from person to person and family to family, there are some common themes. Younger Americans may move to a city for their career. Families may decide they need to be in a better school district. Older Americans frequently move to be in warmer climates or more walkable cities — in addition to several other factors that the best places to retire all share. 

The 35.5 million Americans who move each year may be attracted to places by different attributes — but it appears some places have more of these attributes than others. 

24/7 Wall St. reviewed population changes between 2010 and 2017 in nearly 15,000 cities, towns, villages, and Census designated places to identify the fastest growing place in every state. We only considered areas with populations of at least 1,000. To ensure accuracy, we did not consider places where the margin of error for population was greater than 10%. All data are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

The cities and towns on this list tend to be relatively prosperous. In the vast majority of the fastest growing places, the unemployment rate is lower than it is across the respective state as a whole. Additionally, in 42 of the 50 communities on this list, the typical household earns more than they typical household across the state as a whole. The strong job market and higher incomes in these areas likely make them more attractive to new residents. 

Focusing on population change in cities in towns within a specific state does not shed light on broader, national migration patterns. While the U.S. population grew by 5.6% in the last seven years, some states, like Michigan and West Virginia, are home to fewer people now than in 2010. Meanwhile, in the Southeast and the West, populations are booming. These are America’s fastest growing and shrinking states.

Click here to see the fastest growing places in every state
Click here to see the fastest shrinking places in every state
Click here to read our methodology

Rivers A. Langley; SaveRivers / Wikimedia Commons

1. Alabama: Pike Road
> 2010-2017 population change: +66.0% (state: +2.9%)
> Median household income: $102,500 (state: $46,472)
> Annual unemployment: 2.9% (state: 4.3%)
> Total population: 8,417

See all stories featuring: Alabama

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Armouredsaint / Wikimedia Commons

2. Alaska: Knik-Fairview
> 2010-2017 population change: +40.6% (state: +6.9%)
> Median household income: $87,093 (state: $76,114)
> Annual unemployment: 5.5% (state: 5.2%)
> Total population: 17,203

See all stories featuring: Alaska

22333230@N08 / Flickr

3. Arizona: Queen Creek
> 2010-2017 population change: +44.4% (state: +9.0%)
> Median household income: $92,917 (state: $53,510)
> Annual unemployment: 2.4% (state: 4.2%)
> Total population: 33,298

See all stories featuring: Arizona

Brandonrush / Wikimedia Commons

4. Arkansas: Centerton
> 2010-2017 population change: +46.5% (state: +3.7%)
> Median household income: $68,561 (state: $43,813)
> Annual unemployment: 1.3% (state: 3.6%)
> Total population: 12,178

See all stories featuring: Arkansas

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tomferrisoc / Getty Images

5. California: Ladera Ranch
> 2010-2017 population change: +58.3% (state: +6.4%)
> Median household income: $152,923 (state: $67,169)
> Annual unemployment: 3.5% (state: 4.8%)
> Total population: 28,769

See all stories featuring: California

denverjeffrey / Flickr

6. Colorado: Johnstown
> 2010-2017 population change: +66.2% (state: +11.2%)
> Median household income: $85,339 (state: $65,458)
> Annual unemployment: 2.5% (state: 3.5%)
> Total population: 14,386

See all stories featuring: Colorado

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John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons

7. Connecticut: Cheshire Village
> 2010-2017 population change: +17.3% (state: +1.4%)
> Median household income: $100,994 (state: $73,781)
> Annual unemployment: 3.4% (state: 4.8%)
> Total population: 6,251

See all stories featuring: Connecticut

lcwilder / Flickr

8. Delaware: Middletown
> 2010-2017 population change: +24.7% (state: +7.1%)
> Median household income: $87,375 (state: $63,036)
> Annual unemployment: 2.4% (state: 4.0%)
> Total population: 20,754

See all stories featuring: Delaware

Michael Warren / Getty Images

9. Florida: The Villages
> 2010-2017 population change: +85.0% (state: +9.5%)
> Median household income: $61,022 (state: $50,883)
> Annual unemployment: 0.6% (state: 4.2%)
> Total population: 74,618

See all stories featuring: Florida

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glenirah / Flickr

10. Georgia: Chamblee
> 2010-2017 population change: +191.6% (state: +7.7%)
> Median household income: $54,142 (state: $52,977)
> Annual unemployment: 3.8% (state: 4.7%)
> Total population: 28,433

See all stories featuring: Georgia

Courtesy of Google Maps 2011

11. Hawaii: Ocean Pointe
> 2010-2017 population change: +123.4% (state: +6.6%)
> Median household income: $114,016 (state: $74,923)
> Annual unemployment: 2.7% (state: 3.0%)
> Total population: 13,579

See all stories featuring: Hawaii

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Tamanoeconomico / Wikimedia Commons

12. Idaho: Star
> 2010-2017 population change: +51.4% (state: +8.6%)
> Median household income: $55,674 (state: $50,985)
> Annual unemployment: 1.8% (state: 3.3%)
> Total population: 7,832

See all stories featuring: Idaho

Jonoloier / Wikimedia Commons

13. Illinois: Pingree Grove
> 2010-2017 population change: +76.2% (state: +0.9%)
> Median household income: $78,433 (state: $61,229)
> Annual unemployment: 0% (state: 4.8%)
> Total population: 6,661

See all stories featuring: Illinois

indyagent / Flickr

14. Indiana: Zionsville
> 2010-2017 population change: +92.0% (state: +3.1%)
> Median household income: $127,152 (state: $52,182)
> Annual unemployment: 2.2% (state: 3.9%)
> Total population: 25,810

See all stories featuring: Indiana

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carlwwycoff / Flickr

15. Iowa: Bondurant
> 2010-2017 population change: +56.5% (state: +3.4%)
> Median household income: $75,357 (state: $56,570)
> Annual unemployment: 0.4% (state: 2.8%)
> Total population: 5,457

See all stories featuring: Iowa

Courtesy of City of Basehor

16. Kansas: Basehor
> 2010-2017 population change: +28.8% (state: +3.4%)
> Median household income: $77,755 (state: $55,477)
> Annual unemployment: 3.3% (state: 3.1%)
> Total population: 5,401

See all stories featuring: Kansas

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Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

17. Kentucky: Wilmore
> 2010-2017 population change: +66.5% (state: +3.2%)
> Median household income: $46,833 (state: $46,535)
> Annual unemployment: 1.8% (state: 4.0%)
> Total population: 6,226

See all stories featuring: Kentucky

BOB WESTON / Getty Images

18. Louisiana: Chalmette
> 2010-2017 population change: +83.9% (state: +5.3%)
> Median household income: $43,590 (state: $46,710)
> Annual unemployment: 6.2% (state: 4.3%)
> Total population: 22,907

See all stories featuring: Louisiana

topazz1963 / Flickr

19. Maine: Sanford
> 2010-2017 population change: +97.5% (state: +9.5%)
> Median household income: $42,025 (state: $50,883)
> Annual unemployment: 6.3% (state: 4.2%)
> Total population: 57,979

See all stories featuring: Maine

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Andrew Bossi / Wikimedia Commons

20. Maryland: Clarksburg
> 2010-2017 population change: +109.6% (state: +5.3%)
> Median household income: $135,203 (state: $78,916)
> Annual unemployment: 3.6% (state: 4.1%)
> Total population: 22,100

See all stories featuring: Maryland

dougtone / Flickr

21. Massachusetts: West Concord
> 2010-2017 population change: +23.2% (state: +4.8%)
> Median household income: $118,100 (state: $74,167)
> Annual unemployment: 2.3% (state: 4.0%)
> Total population: 7,646

See all stories featuring: Massachusetts

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Rachel Kramer / Flickr

22. Michigan: Byron Center
> 2010-2017 population change: +33.8% (state: -0.3%)
> Median household income: $72,708 (state: $52,668)
> Annual unemployment: 3.3% (state: 4.5%)
> Total population: 6,751

See all stories featuring: Michigan

Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons

23. Minnesota: Rogers
> 2010-2017 population change: +64.0% (state: +3.7%)
> Median household income: $54,172 (state: $43,813)
> Annual unemployment: 2% (state: 3.6%)
> Total population: 63,411

See all stories featuring: Minnesota

Meinzahn / Getty Images

24. Mississippi: Bay St. Louis
> 2010-2017 population change: +27.5% (state: +1.5%)
> Median household income: $42,002 (state: $42,009)
> Annual unemployment: 5.3% (state: 5.0%)
> Total population: 11,918

See all stories featuring: Mississippi

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Mitch Harden / Wikimedia Commons

25. Missouri: Cottleville
> 2010-2017 population change: +56.2% (state: +2.6%)
> Median household income: $98,611 (state: $51,542)
> Annual unemployment: 2.9% (state: 3.6%)
> Total population: 4,551

See all stories featuring: Missouri

timevanson / Flickr

26. Montana: Sidney
> 2010-2017 population change: +28.5% (state: +5.8%)
> Median household income: $59,958 (state: $50,801)
> Annual unemployment: 1.5% (state: 3.0%)
> Total population: 6,491

See all stories featuring: Montana

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Skinzfan23 / Wikimedia Commons

27. Nebraska: Ralston
> 2010-2017 population change: +23.3% (state: +5.3%)
> Median household income: $55,837 (state: $56,675)
> Annual unemployment: 3.7% (state: 2.6%)
> Total population: 7,348

See all stories featuring: Nebraska

Jonathan Sloan / Flickr

28. Nevada: Enterprise
> 2010-2017 population change: +56.5% (state: +9.7%)
> Median household income: $74,139 (state: $55,434)
> Annual unemployment: 3.5% (state: 5.1%)
> Total population: 155,773

See all stories featuring: Nevada

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

29. New Hampshire: Durham
> 2010-2017 population change: +20.3% (state: +6.4%)
> Median household income: $81,372 (state: $67,169)
> Annual unemployment: 3.1% (state: 4.8%)
> Total population: 5,819

See all stories featuring: New Hampshire

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aimintang / Getty Images

30. New Jersey: Princeton
> 2010-2017 population change: +145.1% (state: +2.7%)
> Median household income: $125,506 (state: $76,475)
> Annual unemployment: 2.6% (state: 4.6%)
> Total population: 30,722

See all stories featuring: New Jersey

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

31. New Mexico: Santa Fe
> 2010-2017 population change: +22.8% (state: +3.6%)
> Median household income: $53,922 (state: $46,718)
> Annual unemployment: 3.5% (state: 4.5%)
> Total population: 82,980

See all stories featuring: New Mexico

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Bachrach44 / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

32. New York: Monsey
> 2010-2017 population change: +46.5% (state: +3.0%)
> Median household income: $37,925 (state: $62,765)
> Annual unemployment: 3.3% (state: 4.3%)
> Total population: 22,043

See all stories featuring: New York

smkybear / Flickr

33. North Carolina: Rolesville
> 2010-2017 population change: +91.8% (state: +8.4%)
> Median household income: $96,384 (state: $50,320)
> Annual unemployment: 8% (state: 4.4%)
> Total population: 6,308

See all stories featuring: North Carolina

afiler / Flickr

34. North Dakota: Williston
> 2010-2017 population change: +81.0% (state: +9.5%)
> Median household income: $35,000 (state: $50,883)
> Annual unemployment: 4.1% (state: 4.2%)
> Total population: 2,685

See all stories featuring: North Dakota

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Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

35. Ohio: Fort Shawnee
> 2010-2017 population change: +56.3% (state: +0.8%)
> Median household income: $66,323 (state: $52,407)
> Annual unemployment: 4.4% (state: 4.1%)
> Total population: 5,875

See all stories featuring: Ohio

cineman69 / Getty Images

36. Oklahoma: Jenks
> 2010-2017 population change: +34.9% (state: +6.0%)
> Median household income: $90,039 (state: $49,767)
> Annual unemployment: 2.5% (state: 3.5%)
> Total population: 20,836

See all stories featuring: Oklahoma

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JPLDesigns / Getty Images

37. Oregon: Happy Valley
> 2010-2017 population change: +46.8% (state: +7.0%)
> Median household income: $115,718 (state: $56,119)
> Annual unemployment: 2.8% (state: 4.2%)
> Total population: 18,477

See all stories featuring: Oregon

dougtone / Flickr

38. Pennsylvania: Boalsburg
> 2010-2017 population change: +23.1% (state: +1.4%)
> Median household income: $100,198 (state: $56,951)
> Annual unemployment: 0.9% (state: 4.1%)
> Total population: 4,533

See all stories featuring: Pennsylvania

danlogan / Getty Images

39. Rhode Island: Tiverton
> 2010-2017 population change: +5.9% (state: +0.0%)
> Median household income: $71,615 (state: $61,043)
> Annual unemployment: 4.2% (state: 4.4%)
> Total population: 7,727

See all stories featuring: Rhode Island

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Alex Potemkin / Getty Images

40. South Carolina: Hardeeville
> 2010-2017 population change: +70.3% (state: +8.5%)
> Median household income: $52,705 (state: $48,781)
> Annual unemployment: 3.8% (state: 4.3%)
> Total population: 5,084

See all stories featuring: South Carolina

Courtesy of City of Harrisburg

41. South Dakota: Harrisburg
> 2010-2017 population change: +52.5% (state: +0.9%)
> Median household income: $35,609 (state: $61,229)
> Annual unemployment: 7.1% (state: 4.8%)
> Total population: 9,344

See all stories featuring: South Dakota

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MtJulietEditor96 / Wikimedia Commons

42. Tennessee: Mount Juliet
> 2010-2017 population change: +43.2% (state: +5.8%)
> Median household income: $80,130 (state: $48,708)
> Annual unemployment: 2.5% (state: 4.0%)
> Total population: 31,397

See all stories featuring: Tennessee

Courtesy of Google Maps 2016

43. Texas: Timberwood Park
> 2010-2017 population change: +123.0% (state: +12.8%)
> Median household income: $113,331 (state: $57,051)
> Annual unemployment: 2.9% (state: 3.7%)
> Total population: 26,236

See all stories featuring: Texas

prosphotos / Getty Images

44. Utah: Saratoga Springs
> 2010-2017 population change: +74.7% (state: +3.0%)
> Median household income: $76,775 (state: $62,765)
> Annual unemployment: 3.9% (state: 4.3%)
> Total population: 27,682

See all stories featuring: Utah

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dougtone / Flickr

45. Vermont: Essex Junction
> 2010-2017 population change: +10.7% (state: +0.1%)
> Median household income: $63,948 (state: $57,808)
> Annual unemployment: 3.5% (state: 2.9%)
> Total population: 10,132

See all stories featuring: Vermont

BramLife / Wikimedia Commons

46. Virginia: Brambleton
> 2010-2017 population change: +131.3% (state: +6.7%)
> Median household income: $173,690 (state: $68,766)
> Annual unemployment: 2.7% (state: 3.5%)
> Total population: 19,876

See all stories featuring: Virginia

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SEASTOCK / Getty Images

47. Washington: Kirkland
> 2010-2017 population change: +82.0% (state: +9.3%)
> Median household income: $104,319 (state: $66,174)
> Annual unemployment: 3.3% (state: 3.8%)
> Total population: 86,772

See all stories featuring: Washington

BackyardProduction / Getty Images

48. West Virginia: Cheat Lake
> 2010-2017 population change: +24.9% (state: -0.2%)
> Median household income: $87,125 (state: $44,061)
> Annual unemployment: 1.7% (state: 3.8%)
> Total population: 9,540

See all stories featuring: West Virginia

Courtesy of Google Maps 2012

49. Wisconsin: Bristol
> 2010-2017 population change: +93.9% (state: +2.2%)
> Median household income: $66,788 (state: $56,759)
> Annual unemployment: 3% (state: 3.1%)
> Total population: 4,970

See all stories featuring: Wisconsin

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Tara CrookerDrydofoo / Wikimedia Commons

50. Wyoming: Evansville
> 2010-2017 population change: +18.3% (state: +6.9%)
> Median household income: $42,140 (state: $60,938)
> Annual unemployment: 4% (state: 3.1%)
> Total population: 2,929

See all stories featuring: Wyoming

Methodology

To identify the fastest growing place in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed population change from 2010 to 2017 in nearly 15,000 cities, towns, villages, and Census designated places with populations of at least 1,000. We only considered places where the margin of error for population was less than 10%. All data are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. We also reviewed data on median household income and annual unemployment for 2017 from the ACS.

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