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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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
Source: 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
Source: 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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Source: 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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