Find a Job You Really Want In
As we navigate the evolving landscape of the American job market in 2026, not everyone is drawn to the hustle and bustle of major cities. Many seek the tranquility, space, and community spirit that small towns offer. With remote work becoming the norm and people prioritizing quality of life, the demand for appealing small towns has surged. So, where are the most desirable small towns for professionals looking to relocate? Population growth can reveal which towns are attracting the most new residents.
Kick back and discover the fastest-growing small cities in 2026. Be warned: some of these towns are expanding rapidly and may outgrow their small-town charm!
The Small Towns Everyone Wants To Live In 2026
- Union Park, Florida
- D’Iberville, Mississippi
- Converse, Texas
- Nocatee, Florida
- Coldwater, Michigan
- Fish Hawk, Florida
- Fate, Texas
- Prosper, Texas
- Bluffdale, Utah
- Florida Ridge, Florida
All ten of these towns experienced at least a 10% increase in population, indicating a significant trend. Notably, eight of the ten are located in the southern part of the United States.
How We Determined The Fastest Growing Small Towns
To identify the fastest-growing small towns, we analyzed population data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS. We calculated the population change between 2021 and 2022 for small cities with populations ranging from 10,000 to 25,000—excluding micro-small cities with populations below 10,000. The towns with the largest percentage increases were deemed the fastest growing.
1. Union Park, Florida
Population Increase: 24%
2022: 13,254
2021: 10,707
Union Park, Florida, located near Orlando, is currently the fastest-growing small town in America, boasting an impressive 24% population increase. Residents enjoy a sunny climate and a wide array of local attractions, making it a prime destination for newcomers.
2. D’Iberville, Mississippi
Population Increase: 21%
2022: 13,531
2021: 11,150
Often overshadowed by Florida and California, D’Iberville’s stunning Gulf Coast beaches are attracting new residents, contributing to its significant population increase of over 2,000 people this past year.
3. Converse, Texas
Population Increase: 20%
2022: 26,246
2021: 21,919
Converse, Texas, with a population of 26,246, has seen a remarkable 20% year-over-year increase. Many residents are relocating from nearby San Antonio, drawn by the town’s small-town charm and high quality of life.
4. Nocatee, Florida
Population Increase: 14%
2022: 13,266
2021: 11,634
The planned community of Nocatee, Florida, featuring over 20 neighborhoods, has recorded a 14% growth. With amenities catering to all ages, it’s no wonder residents are flocking to this vibrant community.
5. Coldwater, Michigan
Population Increase: 14%
2022: 12,284
2021: 10,819
Coldwater, Michigan is a charming small town known for its community spirit and welcoming atmosphere. With a steady increase in population, it’s becoming a sought-after location for new residents.
6. Fish Hawk, Florida
Population Increase: 13%
2022: 20,054
2021: 17,698
Fish Hawk, Florida has seen a 13% population growth as residents are attracted to its family-friendly environment and community-focused amenities, making it a desirable place to live.
7. Fate, Texas
Population Increase: 13%
2022: 11,705
2021: 10,339
Fate, Texas, has experienced a robust 13% population increase, making it one of the fastest-growing small towns in the country. Many are drawn to its affordable housing and close-knit community.
8. Prosper, Texas
Population Increase: 12%
2022: 19,103
2021: 17,107
Prosper, Texas, remains a popular choice for families looking for a balance of suburban tranquility and access to the Dallas metropolitan area, leading to a 12% growth in population.
9. Bluffdale, Utah
Population Increase: 11%
2022: 12,114
2021: 10,869
Bluffdale is thriving as a suburb of Salt Lake City, with many seeking its affordability and spacious living conditions, contributing to its 11% population increase.
10. Florida Ridge, Florida
Population Increase: 10%
2022: 21,371
2021: 19,362
Florida Ridge is on the rise, boasting a 10% population increase. With affordable housing and ocean access, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive option for new residents.
Truly Booming Small Towns
The growth trends of these small towns suggest they will continue expanding over the next decade, evolving into thriving mid-sized cities.
In the meantime, these towns maintain their charming atmospheres, friendly communities, and unique amenities, making them appealing destinations for newcomers.
Below, you can explore the 100 fastest-growing small towns in the nation.
The 100 Fastest Growing Small Towns
| Rank | Place | Population Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union Park CDP, Florida | 24% |
| 2 | D’Iberville city, Mississippi | 21% |
| 3 | Converse city, Texas | 20% |
| 4 | Nocatee CDP, Florida | 14% |
| 5 | Coldwater city, Michigan | 14% |
| 6 | Fish Hawk CDP, Florida | 13% |
| 7 | Fate city, Texas | 13% |
| 8 | Prosper town, Texas | 12% |
| 9 | Bluffdale city, Utah | 11% |
| 10 | Florida Ridge CDP, Florida | 10% |
| 11 | Damascus CDP, Oregon | 10% |
| 12 | Fort Mill town, South Carolina | 10% |
| 13 | World Golf Village CDP, Florida | 10% |
| 14 | Stone Ridge CDP, Virginia | 10% |
| 15 | Bluffton town, South Carolina | 10% |
| 16 | Buda city, Texas | 9% |
| 17 | Forney city, Texas | 9% |
| 18 | Centerton city, Arkansas | 9% |
| 19 | Groveland city, Florida | 9% |
| 20 | Apollo Beach CDP, Florida | 9% |
| 21 | Anna city, Texas | 8% |
| 22 | Orchards CDP, Washington | 8% |
| 23 | Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), Hawaii | 8% |
| 24 | Maltby CDP, Washington | 8% |
| 25 | Windsor town, Colorado | 8% |
| 26 | Waxhaw town, North Carolina | 8% |
| 27 | Waukee city, Iowa | 8% |
| 28 | Martha Lake CDP, Washington | 7% |
| 29 | Grimes city, Iowa | 7% |
| 30 | Villas CDP, Florida | 7% |
| 31 | Rockport city, Texas | 7% |
| 32 | Boerne city, Texas | 7% |
| 33 | Urbana CDP, Maryland | 7% |
| 34 | Annapolis Neck CDP, Maryland | 7% |
| 35 | Pace CDP, Florida | 7% |
| 36 | Sun City Center CDP, Florida | 7% |
| 37 | Warrington CDP, Florida | 7% |
| 38 | Firestone town, Colorado | 7% |
| 39 | Youngsville city, Louisiana | 7% |
| 40 | West Haven city, Utah | 7% |
| 41 | Arizona City CDP, Arizona | 7% |
| 42 | Pinewood CDP, Florida | 7% |
| 43 | Clarksburg CDP, Maryland | 7% |
| 44 | Frederick town, Colorado | 7% |
| 45 | Ewa Gentry CDP, Hawaii | 6% |
| 46 | New River CDP, Arizona | 6% |
| 47 | Fuquay-Varina town, North Carolina | 6% |
| 48 | Jasmine Estates CDP, Florida | 6% |
| 49 | California CDP, Maryland | 6% |
| 50 | Brock Hall CDP, Maryland | 6% |
| 51 | Summerfield CDP, Maryland | 6% |
| 52 | Leland town, North Carolina | 6% |
| 53 | New Albany city, Ohio | 6% |
| 54 | Cockeysville CDP, Maryland | 6% |
| 55 | Bay Point CDP, California | 6% |
| 56 | Hampton Bays CDP, New York | 6% |
| 57 | Holly Springs city, Georgia | 6% |
| 58 | Oak Grove CDP, South Carolina | 6% |
| 59 | Elkridge CDP, Maryland | 6% |
| 60 | Gulf Shores city, Alabama | 6% |
| 61 | Ruskin CDP, Florida | 6% |
| 62 | Upper Grand Lagoon CDP, Florida | 6% |
| 63 | Pecan Grove CDP, Texas | 6% |
| 64 | Maili CDP, Hawaii | 6% |
| 65 | Hutto city, Texas | 6% |
| 66 | Muscoy CDP, California | 6% |
| 67 | Knightdale town, North Carolina | 6% |
| 68 | Picayune city, Mississippi | 6% |
| 69 | Lone Tree city, Colorado | 6% |
| 70 | Cutlerville CDP, Michigan | 6% |
| 71 | Eagle city, Idaho | 6% |
| 72 | Midlothian city, Texas | 6% |
| 73 | Royse City city, Texas | 6% |
| 74 | Hanahan city, South Carolina | 6% |
| 75 | Sun Village CDP, California | 6% |
| 76 | Frederickson CDP, Washington | 6% |
| 77 | White Oak CDP, Ohio | 5% |
| 78 | Happy Valley city, Oregon | 5% |
| 79 | Bourbonnais village, Illinois | 5% |
| 80 | Mebane city, North Carolina | 5% |
| 81 | Lockhart CDP, Florida | 5% |
| 82 | Clayton town, North Carolina | 5% |
| 83 | Bethany CDP, Oregon | 5% |
| 84 | Conway city, South Carolina | 5% |
| 85 | Port Salerno CDP, Florida | 5% |
| 86 | Kingstowne CDP, Virginia | 5% |
| 87 | Papillion city, Nebraska | 5% |
| 88 | Cedar Mill CDP, Oregon | 5% |
| 89 | Cherry Hill CDP, Virginia | 5% |
| 90 | Aldine CDP, Texas | 5% |
| 91 | Shady Hills CDP, Florida | 5% |
| 92 | Mill Creek East CDP, Washington | 5% |
| 93 | Cypress Lake CDP, Florida | 5% |
| 94 | Kuna city, Idaho | 5% |
| 95 | Lansdowne CDP, Virginia | 5% |
| 96 | Broussard city, Louisiana | 5% |
| 97 | Dentsville CDP, South Carolina | 5% |
| 98 | Washington city, Utah | 5% |
| 99 | Katy city, Texas | 5% |
| 100 | Murraysville CDP, North Carolina | 5% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
