The 10 Fastest-Growing Towns in America Today

Small areas of the U.S. grew a little bigger last year.

Around 60% of all U.S. counties saw their population increase in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That includes 58% of the 538 micropolitan areas of the nation.

The Census Bureau defines a micropolitan area as including at least one urban center with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 residents.

Some of these small areas are booming, particularly in the South. But growing micropolitan areas can also be found in the East, West and North.

Here are the U.S. micropolitan areas that saw the largest percentage increases in population between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023.

Okeechobee, Florida, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 40,373
• July 1, 2023: 41,427 (an increase of 2.6%)

This area is home to Lake Okeechobee. At 730 square miles wide, it is the second-largest freshwater lake that is fully located within the contiguous United States. Only Lake Michigan is bigger.

Cornelia, Georgia, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 47,465
• July 1, 2023: 48,757 (an increase of 2.7%)

An influx of Laotian and Hispanic residents helped to drive Cornelia‘s growth in the 1980s and 1990s. A rejuvenated downtown business core keeps the city growing. The area is near Lake Russell in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Cedar City, Utah, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 62,508
• July 1, 2023: 64,211 (an increase of 2.7%)

The Cedar City area is home to Southern Utah University. Southern Utah’s leading winery is located here, and the region is within close proximity of five national parks.

Seaford, Delaware, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 256,447
• July 1, 2023: 263,509 (an increase of 2.8%)

Seaford is a thriving city, with more than 500 retail stores and service-related businesses. Located at the headwaters of the Nanticoke River, it is close to some of the best recreational beaches on the East Coast.

Spearfish, South Dakota, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 27,240
• July 1, 2023: 28,053 (an increase of 3%)

Spearfish is located in the northern part of the Black Hills. The 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway allows you to get a long look at the natural beauty of this region, which is known for its fly-fishing and hiking and biking trails.

Athens, Ohio, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 60,881
• July 1, 2023: 62,706 (an increase of 3%)

Athens is home to Ohio University, a public research university. The Hocking River runs through the region, which is about an hour or so southeast of Columbus.

Williston, North Dakota, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 37,966
• July 1, 2023: 39,113 (an increase of 3%)

The Williston area appeals to many types of folks. Those who love boating and fishing will find opportunities to do both on Lake Sakakawea, the nation’s third-largest manmade reservoir.

History buffs can also enjoy time at Fort Buford State Historic Site or Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Lewisburg, Tennessee, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 35,857
• July 1, 2023: 36,961 (an increase of 3.1%)

Even when a supermoon is not rising over Lewisburg — as it was during August 2023 (pictured) — there is plenty to enjoy in the area.

Those who love horses will find the World Headquarters of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association in the Lewisburg area. The city also hosts the beloved Goats, Music & More festival in the fall.

Clewiston, Florida, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 53,854
• July 1, 2023: 56,119 (an increase of 4.2%)

Located on Lake Okeechobee, midway between West Palm Beach on Florida’s Pacific coast and Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico, Clewiston is known for raising sugarcane — and celebrating that fact with its annual Sugar Festival.

The historic Clewiston Inn is located there, a true throwback to Old Florida. Built in 1938 by the United States Sugar Co., to host company executives and visiting dignitaries, the inn has earned National Historic Site status.

Jefferson, Georgia, micropolitan area

This micropolitan area’s population as of:

• July 1, 2022: 84,009
• July 1, 2023: 88,615 (an increase of 5.5%)

Located an hour outside Atlanta, Jefferson was named after the nation’s third president. It hosts many community events during the year, including concerts and an annual Christmas parade.