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Discover the 10 Fastest Growing Small Cities in America (2026 Edition)
If you enjoy the vibrancy of city living but want to avoid the common drawbacks—such as traffic, pollution, noise, and crime—you’re not alone. Many people are seeking the charm and community feel of small cities that offer a high quality of life without the urban chaos.
As a result, small cities across the United States are experiencing significant growth. However, not all small cities are growing at the same pace. In this updated list, we’ll explore the fastest growing small cities in America as of 2026. We’ve based our findings on reliable data, ensuring a comprehensive overview of these emerging hotspots.
- Zionsville, Indiana
- Kirkland, Washington
- Cibolo, Texas
- Norcross, Georgia
- Chamblee, Georgia
- Rogers, Minnesota
- Hutto, Texas
- Prosper, Texas
- Sweetwater, Florida
- Burien, Washington
Whether you’re considering a move to one of these burgeoning cities or you already reside in one, it’s wise to stay informed about the trends shaping these communities. Before diving deeper, let’s take a look at our methodology.
How We Determined the Fastest Growing Small Cities in America
To identify the fastest growing small cities, we analyzed growth rates based on recent data from the American Community Survey, which provides annual statistics on population changes. Specifically, we examined:
- Population data from 2010
- Population data from 2020
- Growth rates from 2010 to 2020
We ranked all small cities in America, defined as having populations between 5,000 and 100,000, from highest growth rate to lowest. The city with the highest growth rate during this period was recognized as the fastest growing small city in America: Zionsville, Indiana.
If you’re curious about how to calculate growth rates, you can use the following formula:
[Population 2020 – Population 2010] / [Population 2010]
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of our ten standout cities!
1. Zionsville
Remarkably, Zionsville’s population nearly doubled from 2010 to 2020, soaring from 13,444 to approximately 24,559 residents!
So, what’s attracting so many newcomers? Zionsville is known for its safety, excellent schools, and picturesque charm. The community resembles a small village, featuring a quaint Main Street lined with brick and filled with local shops and restaurants.
2. Kirkland
In just a decade, Kirkland’s population skyrocketed from under 48,000 in 2010 to over 83,000 today, making it one of Washington’s largest cities.
This growth can be attributed to its vibrant job market, stunning waterfront, and a downtown area filled with restaurants, art galleries, parks, and recreational facilities. With its surrounding natural beauty and relative affordability, Kirkland continues to thrive.
3. Cibolo
Cibolo has seen consistent growth over the past two decades. From just over 3,000 residents in 2000, it grew to more than 23,000 by 2020.
4. Norcross
Norcross, whose motto is “a place to imagine,” has certainly transformed into a sought-after location. The population increased from 9,209 in 2010 to 15,799 in 2020, marking a remarkable 72% growth rate!
5. Chamblee
Chamblee has recently emerged as a cultural hub, particularly for Asian Americans. The city has been recognized as Atlanta’s “Chinatown,” with significant growth of 62% in the past four years, attracting both new residents and businesses.
6. Rogers
Rogers, Minnesota, experienced a population increase from 7,661 in 2010 to 11,747 by 2020, reflecting a 53% growth rate. Its proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area is a significant draw for new residents.
7. Hutto
As a suburb of Austin, Hutto has benefitted from the rapid growth of its larger neighbor. The population surged from 13,469 in 2010 to 18,839 in 2020, achieving over 53% growth in just four years.
8. Prosper
This affluent suburb of Dallas has seen its population climb from 8,905 in 2010 to approximately 13,235 in 2020, a rise of 53%. As Prosper continues to develop, effective traffic management will be essential to maintain quality of life.
9. Sweetwater
Sweetwater’s population grew from 13,599 in 2010 to 20,562 in 2020, resulting in a growth rate of 51%. Known as “Little Managua,” this family-oriented city prioritizes community values and education.
10. Burien
Burien has experienced substantial growth, rising from 32,743 residents in 2010 to 49,291 in 2020, an increase of over 16,500 people. Its charming downtown and proximity to Seattle make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of urban accessibility and suburban tranquility.
Embracing Change
Over the past decade, each of these cities has experienced remarkable growth, with rates exceeding 50%. As these small cities continue to expand, they may soon lose their “small” designation. If you’re considering a move to one of these vibrant communities, now might be the perfect time to explore the opportunities they offer!
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
