while cities in the north and midwest show declines, the west experiences new population boom, says report

Of the top ten fastest-growing midsize cities in the U.S., seven are in the West, according to new numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

And of that number, three—Tempe, Gilbert, and Scottsdale—were located in Arizona.

While Frisco, Texas led the list as the fastest-growing midsize city in the country, with a 37.6 percent growth rate, the Arizona cities all saw double-digit increases in their populations, according to statistics filed for the 2013 to 2018 period.

Tempe’s increase stood at 12.6 percent, followed by Gilbert at 12.0 percent, and Scottsdale at 11.5 percent.

Arizona also placed high overall as a state, experiencing, along with California, Florida, and Texas, the largest absolute population increases in the nation.

At the same time, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, and West Virginia were hit with the greatest population declines, mostly due to residents moving to other states.

The net total population growth increase for Texas surpassed 300,000 people, with Arizona and Colorado receiving in excess of more than 100,000 new residents.

New Mexico’s growth was more modest, but still on the up side with a population increase of less than 100,000.

According to the Chicago-based Center Square, a state news analysis service, the West also stacked up well in the category of the ten top fastest-growing large cities with populations of more than 350,000.

On that list, five were in the West, including Denver and Mesa, Arizona.

Of Mesa’s 9.5 percent increase, the site notes that the third largest city in Arizona offers “affordable living, warm weather, and some of the lowest property taxes in the country.”

Between 2013 and 2018, Mesa’s population was up by just under 44,000 people.
Denver, with a 10.3 percent population increase, was lauded for its natural beauty, as well as its strong job market. The city, according to demographers, has in recent years uniquely attracted both young families and retirees.
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Between 2013 and 2018, Denver experienced a nearly 67,000 increase in its population.

​By Garry Boulard

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