Riverview stands out among 20 U.S. cities with notable recent population expansion

The growth of a population can create a cascading impact on the local economy. As individuals relocate to an area and families expand, there is an unforeseen influence on the demand for housing, local businesses, and infrastructure. Analyzing changes in population and their dynamics can provide residents with insights into the broader economic landscape, guiding their financial decisions.

In order to identify areas with the most significant population growth, SmartAsset conducted an analysis of the latest U.S. population data across 344 of the largest cities. This examination aimed to pinpoint the most substantial growth between 2017 and 2022, taking into account shifts in the gender balance within these populations.

Key findings reveal that:

– Southwestern cities dominate the top 10 list of places experiencing the most significant population growth. Buckeye, AZ, takes the lead with a remarkable 54.3% increase in population over the last five years. Other notable cities in the top 10 include Enterprise, NV (37.8%); Goodyear, AZ (32.0%); Atascocita, TX (27.5%); San Tan Valley, AZ (26.5%); Frisco, TX (23.9%); Sugar Land, TX (23.6%); and Lewisville, TX (22.8%). Many more Southwestern cities are also witnessing substantial population growth within a short time frame.

– Noteworthy population growth is observed in Atascocita, Texas, where there has been a 25.4% increase in just one year. Lewisville, TX, follows closely with the second-highest one-year growth at 16.0%, while San Tan Valley, AZ, experienced a 13.6% growth in one year. Tuscaloosa, AL, also stands out, with a one-year population growth of 9.9%, contrasting with a mere 0.3% growth over five years.

– Davie, FL, exhibits the most significant population shift toward men, with the male population increasing from 46.4% in 2017 to 51.3% in 2022. Visalia, CA (46.6% male to 50.8% male) and Albany, NY (47.2% male to 51.1%) show similar trends, although the overall population in Davie remained relatively flat, with a negligible -0.2% growth.

– Conversely, Fullerton, CA, experienced the most significant population shift toward women, with the percentage of women rising from 48.0% in 2017 to 53.0% in 2022. Palm Bay, FL, and Concord, NC, also witnessed notable shifts, moving from 47.6% to 52.5% and 49.2% to 53.0%, respectively.

The top 10 cities with the highest population growth from 2017 to 2022 warrant a closer look for a comprehensive understanding of these demographic trends:

1. Buckeye, Arizona

Over the last five years, Buckeye has experienced the most substantial population growth, reaching approximately 54.3%. As of 2022, the population of Buckeye stands at 105,567, with a gender distribution of 51.2% men and 48.83% women.

2. Enterprise, Nevada 

Enterprise just missed the first-place spot, with 37.8% growth in population. By 2022, the city housed 231,446 residents with a slight male majority at 50.40%.

3. Goodyear, Arizona

Goodyear has witnessed a significant population growth of 32.0% over the past five years. As of 2022, the city’s population stands at 105,404, maintaining a balanced gender ratio, with men constituting 50.19% of the total population.

4. Meridian, Idaho 

Over the span of five years, Meridian has seen its resident base grow by 29.8%. As of 2022, the city’s population reached 129,730, demonstrating a nearly equal distribution between men (50.1%) and women (49.9%).

5. Atascocita, Texas

Atascocita had 27.5% more residents by 2022 when compared to 2017, with the most recent population clocking 107,626. Men marginally outnumber women at 51.4%.

6. San Tan Valley, Arizona

San Tan Valley experienced a substantial 26.5% growth in its population over the past five years. As of 2022, the population reached 117,415, and the gender distribution is nearly equal, with men accounting for 50.1% and women for 49.9%.

7. Riverview, Florida

Since 2017, this Tampa suburb has undergone a population growth of 26.4%. The city’s latest population count, as of the most recent data, stands at 114,454, with females making up the majority at 53.25%.

8. Frisco, Texas 

Frisco recorded a substantial growth of 23.9% in its population. As of 2022, the city is home to 219,571 inhabitants, with a balanced distribution between men and women.

9. Sugar Land, Texas 

Over the past five years, the population of Sugar Land has increased by 23.6%. As of 2022, the city is home to 109,395 residents, with a slight majority of females at 51.5% compared to the male population.

10. Lewisville, Texas

Lewisville concludes the list with an impressive growth of approximately 22.8% since 2017. As of 2022, the city’s population reached 130,933, and there is a majority of females, accounting for 52.8% of the total population.

Data and methodology

This study focused on analyzing 344 U.S. cities with a population of 100,000 or more in 2022, utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 1-Year American Community Survey. The cities were ranked based on their five-year population growth from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, the study examined the percentage distribution of men and women in the overall population. The population data considered individuals of all age groups, and fluctuations in population were attributed to factors such as births, deaths, and migrations.