Fastest-Growing Small Towns in Every US State: What the Census-Based List Shows

Business Insider reports that population growth is not limited to the nation’s biggest cities. Across all 50 states, small- and medium-sized towns are gaining residents, including suburbs near urban centers and communities that have become destinations in their own right.

The article frames the trend as part of a broader population shift, noting that the US population has grown by roughly 58 million since 2000.

The list is based on the latest five-year Census population estimates, covering July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025. Business Insider calculated each state’s population growth percentage for towns and cities over that period.

To avoid very small municipalities, the analysis included only places with more than 1,000 residents in the 2020 estimates. It also excluded unincorporated areas and Census-designated places belonging to a larger city.

The fastest-growing places include a mix of rural mountain towns, towns close to major cities, desert communities, and suburbs. Business Insider notes that most of the 50 places have populations under 20,000.

Visible examples in the article include Triana, Alabama; Wasilla, Alaska; Coolidge, Arizona; Highfill, Arkansas; and Paradise, California, each listed with 2020 population, 2025 population, and percentage growth.

For homebuyers, travelers, and real-estate watchers, the list offers a quick way to spot where growth is accelerating outside major metros. Fast growth can signal changing housing demand, shifting local economies, or renewed attention on smaller communities.

The key takeaway: small towns are not a single category. The fastest-growing places vary widely by geography, proximity to larger cities, and local context.