Americans are flocking to the Sun Belt! And it’s no surprise why. In 2024, cities in Arizona, Florida, Texas, and other southern states dominate the list of fastest-growing cities in the US. This region holds about 50% of the total US population.
All ages are drawn to the area for its business-friendly environment, lower cost of living, quality of life, and mild climate. The numbers speak for themselves – nearly 5 million Americans have abandoned states in the Northeast and Midwest to migrate to these sunny states in the last decade.
Whether you’re a young professional seeking career opportunities or a retiree craving warm weather, these cities have it all. Let’s explore the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the USA!
10 Fastest Growing Cities in the United States
Our research provides insights into the population, unemployment rate, median listing price, and poverty rate of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the US.
| City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Median House Value | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Phoenix, AZ | 1,644,409 | 3.3% | $427,882 | 14.6% |
| 2. San Antonio, TX | 1,472,909 | 4.1% | $257,711 | 17.7% |
| 3. Dallas, TX | 1,299,544 | 4.2% | $316,469 | 17.5% |
| 4. Austin, TX | 974,447 | 3.7% | $546,619 | 12.4% |
| 5. Charlotte, NC | 897,720 | 3.6% | $398,896 | 11.7% |
| 6. Denver, CO | 716,577 | 4.2% | $575,188 | 11.5% |
| 7. Raleigh, NC | 476,587 | 3.5% | $442,852 | 11.8% |
| 8. Tampa, FL | 398,173 | 3.3% | $382,663 | 16.8% |
| 9. Orlando, FL | 316,081 | 3.2% | $384,415 | 15.2% |
| 10. Fort Myers, FL | 95,949 | 3.3% | $373,650 | 16.1% |
Here are the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the USA. Let’s find out why these booming cities have become magnets for individuals and families.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 0.97% ⬆️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 4% ⬆️ |
| 🌵 Famous For | Desert Botanical Garden |
Phoenix, known as the “Valley of the Sun,” is one of the top-growing cities in the US. The job market is booming with a growth rate of 3.6%, which is double the national average. Key growth industries include technology, healthcare, and financial services.
The median home price of $427,882 seems affordable compared to costlier East Coast cities like New York City ($748,012). Phoenix’s average median income stands at $76,000.
Phoenix is among the best places to live in Arizona. It offers affordable housing and ample job opportunities, making it attractive for both young professionals and families.
2. San Antonio, Texas
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 1.13%⬆️ |
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 8%⬇️ |
| 🎋 Famous For | Japanese Tea Garden |
In 2023, San Antonio ranked as the 14th best U.S. location for entrepreneurship and small business startups. It’s home to major corporate giants like H-E-B, USAA, Valero, and Whataburger, offering diverse job opportunities.
The cost of living in San Antonio is 8% lower than the national average, with a median household income of $55,000. While house prices are rising, they remain 20% cheaper than the U.S. average, attracting families and aspiring entrepreneurs.
3. Dallas, Texas
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | -0.16%⬇️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 3%⬆️ |
| 🖼️ Famous For | Bishop Arts District |
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. These include ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Airlines.
Dallas offers a median income of about $42,300. The average home value of $309,300, a significantly lower cost of living than major hubs like New York and San Francisco.
Dallas is one of the best places to live in Texas. Five of Texas’s top 20 schools are located here, along with nearly 21,000 acres of green space. The city is ideal for young professionals or families seeking a strong job market, affordable living, and a great environment for raising kids.
4. Austin, Texas
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 0.44%⬆️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 1%⬆️ |
| 🏛️ Famous For | Texas State Capitol Building |
Fortune 500 companies like Apple, IBM, and Dell have headquarters in Austin. Each employs thousands of people. The city is home to a thriving startup scene, providing several job opportunities in the tech field.
The average salary in Austin is $60,250 a year. While the median home sale price is $546,619, that’s still more affordable than many other growing cities in the US.
Austin earns the title “Live Music Capital of the World” due to its numerous live music venues. So, Austin might be your perfect match if you’re looking for a city with a strong job market, a love for live music, and a fun lifestyle.
5. Charlotte, North Carolina
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 1.24% ⬆️ |
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 2% ⬇️ |
| 🏎️ Famous For | NASCAR Hall of Fame |
Charlotte is a major financial hub. It’s home to several national and international banks, including the headquarters of Bank of America.
North Carolina expects to add over 300,000 new jobs by the end of 2028, with most concentrated in Charlotte and Raleigh. Housing costs in Charlotte are 11% lower than the national average.
Charlotte appeals to families and professionals in banking and finance. The city boasts excellent schools and abundant job opportunities with companies like Wells Fargo and Honeywell.
6. Denver, Colorado
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | -0.3%⬇️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 11% ⬆️ |
| 📖 Famous For | Denver Public Library |
Denver’s metro area is booming, ranking 7th for post-pandemic labor force growth among the largest cities in the US. Its strong economy offers job opportunities in the aerospace, bioscience, and renewables sectors.
The average salary in Denver is $80,000 a year, and the cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.
Unfortunately, Denver has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation compared to other cities. While it offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of this factor before moving there.
7. Raleigh, North Carolina
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 1.27%⬆️ |
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 4% ⬇️ |
| 🏛️ Famous For | North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences |
Nicknamed “The City of Oaks,” Raleigh is a hub for jobs, especially in tech, medicine, and manufacturing. A big reason for this growth is “Research Triangle Park”, which is expected to create 50,000 – 86,000 new jobs within the next 3 years.
A talented workforce and a supportive business environment attract companies. The median home price in Raleigh is $442,852. On top of that, Raleigh has excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a safe environment. These factors make Raleigh one of the best places to live in the US for families and those working in STEM fields.
8. Tampa, Florida
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 1.27%⬆️ |
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 0% |
| 🏡 Famous For | Busch Gardens |
Tampa is Florida’s third-largest city. A robust job market driven by tourism, healthcare, and finance attracts companies seeking skilled workers and global market access.
In 2024, Tampa was named the second-best U.S. city for job seekers, offering a remarkable 12% job growth rate.
Tampa is one of the best places to live in Florida for families and young professionals. With affordable waterfront living and award-winning beaches, it’s a thriving economy.
9. Orlando, Florida
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 1.3%⬆️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 5% ⬆️ |
| 🌐 Famous For | Walt Disney World |
Orlando is widely known as a hub for theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. However, it is also becoming a major center for STEM jobs.
The Wall Street Journal recognized Orlando as a “Hot Spot for Job Growth,” with 139,000 new jobs added in the past five years. On top of the booming job market, Orlando offers affordable living with a median home price of $384,415.
The cherry on top? Florida is a no-income-tax state. So, if you’re looking for a place with career opportunities, sunshine, and theme parks, Orlando might be the perfect fit.
10. Fort Myers, Florida
| 🧑🤝🧑 Annual Population Growth Rate | 4.33% ⬆️ |
| 🔴 Cost of Living Compared to the National Average | 9%⬆️ |
| 🏝️ Famous For | Sanibel Island |
Fort Myers is the economic heart of southwest Florida. In April 2024, the private sector added 3,000 new jobs while the government added 1,600 positions. Tourism remains a major industry, with 1 out of 6 related to tourism and hospitality. With a median home price of $373,650, Fort Myers offers both affordable housing.
Over 160,000 new residents moved to the city in the past decade. This led to more vacant apartments and stable rents between $1,501 – $2,000. Fort Myers’ combination of job growth and affordable living makes it an appealing option for families and retirees.
Bottom Line
Population growth and economic development are key factors that contribute to the growth and development of a city. 2024’s top 10 fastest growing cities are dominated by warm-weather metros in the South and Southwest.
Job opportunities, a lower cost of living, and a relaxed lifestyle draw Americans from coast to coast. Whether you’re a young professional seeking career growth or a family seeking affordability, these booming cities offer exciting possibilities.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as population growth and job opportunities. We have also accounted for the cost of living, median listing price, unemployment rate, and poverty rate in these cities.
To compile this information, we have drawn upon data from World Population Review, PayScale, and Zillow.
FAQs
What is the fastest-growing city in the US in 2024?
The fastest-growing city in the USA is Phoenix, with an annual population growth rate of 0.97%.
What cities are growing the fastest in the US?
Some of the fastest growing cities in the US are Dallas, Charlotte, and Denver. These cities are mostly located in the Sun Belt region. They attract residents due to factors like job opportunities, affordable housing, and warm climate.
Where are most Americans moving to?
Most Americans are moving to Texas. Over 1 million new residents chose to move to Texas in the last 3 years. It has no state income tax and thriving job markets like Austin's tech hub.
» Texas Real Estate & Homes For Sale: Search for your new Texas home here.
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