These are the fast-growing cities in the nation: study

A handful of states dominate the list.

by Vivian Chow, Addy Bink and Nexstar Media Wire | Dec. 19, 2022

Story at a glance

A new SmartAsset study reviewed nearly 500 large U.S. cities and ranked them based on multiple metrics.

These include changes in population, average household income, housing units, and unemployment over a five-year period from 2016-2021, as well as average yearly GDP growth, and one-year change in unemployment.

Two Idaho cities took the top spots. Cities in Texas, California, and Florida ranked highly.

(KTLA) – As housing and living costs remain high for many nationwide, a new study shows plenty of Americans are relocating to more affordable locales.

A new SmartAsset study reviewed nearly 500 large U.S. cities and ranked them based on multiple metrics, including changes in population, average household income, housing units, and unemployment over a five-year period from 2016-2021, as well as average yearly GDP growth, one-year change in unemployment, and unemployment rates in September 2022.

Dubbed “boomtowns,” SmartAsset found two Idaho cities – Nampa and Meridian – are seeing the fastest growth. Both have seen a high rate of growth in their populations, number of businesses, and housing units, according to available federal data.

Cities in Texas, California, and Florida ranked highly through the top 15 “boomtowns.” Here are the Top Boomtowns in America in 2022 according to SmartAsset:

Nampa, Idaho
Meridian, Idaho
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
New Braunfels, Texas
Fort Myers, Florida
Conroe, Texas
Menifee, California
Pasco, Washington
Lewisville, Texas
Chino, California
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Rancho Cordova, California
Victorville, California (Tie)
Riverview, Florida (Tie)
Homestead, Florida

Three California cities – Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas – have seen the highest average yearly GDP growth at 6.32 percent each. Over the last five years, New Braunfels, Texas has recorded the largest changes in population and housing units at 36.10 percent and 40.86 percent, respectively. Data shows St. George, Utah has had the largest growth in the number of businesses in its city at 31.20 percent.

Thinking of moving to a “boomtown”? Experts say timing is important to reap the most benefits.

“Moving to a boomtown at its earliest stages can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors, as there’s still plenty of room for growth,” Edith Reads, senior editor at TradingPlatforms, told SmartAsset. “And for those who are looking for a job, there are usually plenty of opportunities available in rapidly growing cities.”

Reads warned that, if a city has already reached its peak, it may be too late to take advantage of its growth.

“In this case, it may be wiser to wait until the city’s growth slows down before making the move,” Reads said. “This way, you can avoid getting caught in the midst of a housing or job crunch.”

Check out SmartAsset’s full study of America’s Top Boomtowns in 2022.