Census Bureau Names Top Ten Fastest-Growing Cities

Port St. Lucie, Fla., had the nation’s fastest growth rate among cities with at least 100,000 people between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2004, according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates released yesterday. Located along the Atlantic coast between Cape Canaveral and West Palm Beach – and spring-training home of the New York Mets – Port St. Lucie saw its population increase 12 percent to 118, 396.

Port St. Lucie was joined on the list of the 10 fastest-growing cities by two others in the Sunshine State: Cape Coral (fifth) and Miramar (eighth). California had four cities in the top 10: Elk Grove (second), Moreno Valley (sixth), Rancho Cucamonga (ninth) and Roseville (tenth). Two cities in Arizona also made the list — Gilbert (fourth) and Chandler (seventh). North Las Vegas, Nev., was third. Elk Grove, Miramar and Roseville each became eligible for this list for the first time, as all three cities passed the 100,000 population mark between 2003 and 2004.

The estimates show that among the 10 largest cities, only one change has occurred in the rankings: San Jose, Calif., has replaced Detroit as the nation’s tenth most populous city.

Phoenix had the largest population increase between 2003 and 2004, adding 29,826 people. Los Angeles; San Antonio; Las Vegas; and Fort Worth, Tex., rounded out the list of the five biggest numerical gainers.

Learn more about the geographical areas for which the Census Bureau produces population estimates at www.census.gov/popest/geographic.