We’re excited to share the latest edition of SiteSeer’s semi‑annual population study—this time looking at the fastest‑growing metropolitan and micropolitan areas in the United States between October 2024 and October 2025.
As always, focusing on percentage growth helps surface smaller metros and micros that may be flying under the radar—places where even modest numeric gains can translate into meaningful momentum.
Before diving in, take a peek at our last iteration of the fastest‑growing metropolitan and micropolitan areas study (April 2024 to April 2025). And here’s a quick refresher on the definition of metropolitan and micropolitan areas.
What Are Metropolitan and Micropolitan Areas?
According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), there are 387 metropolitan statistical areas and 538 micropolitan statistical areas in the United States.
- Micropolitan areas are built around an urban core of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000 people.
- Metropolitan areas include at least one urban core with a population of 50,000 or more.
So, which regions are seeing the biggest percentage gains? And how does this list compare to SiteSeer’s last population study from April 2024 to April 2025? Let’s get into it!
Fastest-Growing Metropolitan Areas (October 2024–October 2025)
Here are the 15 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. between October 2024 and October 2025:
#15: Huntsville, AL | 1.64%
#14: Bowling Green, KY | 1.66%
#13 (tie): Yuma, AZ | 1.69% (#13 tie -fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#13 (tie): Midland, TX | 1.69% (#13 tie – fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#12: Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, FL | 1.79% (#8 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#11: Lakeland–Winter Haven, FL | 1.80% (#11 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#10: Miami–Fort Lauderdale–Pompano Beach, FL | 1.84%
#9: Ames, IA | 1.86%
#8: Daphne–Fairhope–Foley, AL | 1.89% (#5 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#7: Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land, TX | 1.92% (#8 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#6: Provo–Orem, UT | 1.95% (#10 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#5: Raleigh–Cary, NC | 1.96% (#6 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#4: Panama City, FL | 2.04% (#4 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#3: Spartanburg, SC | 2.05% (#3 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#2: Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 2.49% (#1 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#1: Ocala, FL | 2.56% (#2 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
A Few Observations About Metropolitan Area Growth
- Florida’s strong presence continues, with six metros in the top 15, led by Ocala which moves slight from the second to the top spot, maintaining momentum from our last population data study.
- The Southeast is again a hotbed for growth, with metros in South Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky making the list.
- Newcomers like Ames, Iowa; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Huntsville, Alabama (at #1, no less!); and Miami, Florida highlight a mix of possible factors—from expanding college towns and affordable housing to ongoing migration toward warmer climates.
- Miami–Fort Lauderdale’s rise may be tied to continued influxes of people from colder or higher-cost states, as reflected in recent U.S. Census migration data.
- Ames might be seeing a bump in population from recent economic development efforts, including investments by JPMorgan Chase supporting small businesses in the area.
- Huntsville’s growth may be related to new housing developments and a diversifying economy.
Fastest-Growing Micropolitan Areas (October 2024–October 2025)
And here are the 15 fastest growing micropolitan areas in the U.S. between October 2024 and October 2025:
#15: Spearfish, SD | 1.24% (#10 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#14: Sandpoint, ID | 1.25% (#11 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#13 (tie): Sanford, NC | 1.26% (tie)
#13 (tie): Nogales, AZ | 1.26%
#12: Heber, UT | 1.27%
#11: Bozeman, MT | 1.29%
#10: Oxford, MS | 1.35% (#13 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#9: Huntsville, TX | 1.42% (#11 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#8: Williston, ND | 1.43% (#6 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#7: Laramie, WY | 1.50% (#7 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#6: Durant, OK | 1.55% (#8 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#5: Hobbs, NM | 2.20% (#5 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#4: Pearsall, TX | 2.42% (#4 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#3: Ellensburg, WA | 2.64% (#2 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#2: Jefferson, GA | 2.85% (#1 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
#1: Clewiston, FL | 3.44% (#3 fastest growing April 2024–April 2025)
This semi-annual population data comes from STI: PopStats. Look for our next study sometime in July or August 2026!
Observations About Micropolitan Growth
- Many micropolitan areas that were newcomers in our April 2024-April 2025 metro/micro area population data study—like Pearsall, Texas; Hobbs, New Mexico; Durant, Oklahoma; and Laramie, Wyoming—continue to grow at solid rates, showing sustained economic strength rather than one-time spikes. These areas initially entered the list thanks to strong job growth in healthcare, social services, education, and public administration, as well as lower housing costs, lower taxes, and proximity to larger metros, which appeal to people looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing lifestyle or employment opportunities.
- Newcomers like Bozeman, Montana; Heber, Utah; Sanford, North Carolina; and Nogales, Arizona, may be attracting residents because of outdoor amenities, quality of life, and convenient access to bigger metropolitan areas. Sanford, for example, is a bedroom community for Raleigh-Durham, offering more affordable housing options.
- Nogales, Arizona, may be growing as a trade and commerce hub on the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Other factors influencing growth in these micropolitan areas could include local economic development initiatives, new housing construction, or small-business investment programs.
See Where Growth Is Happening and Plan Your Next Move
Population growth isn’t just numbers—it’s an indicator of where people are moving, what areas are economically vibrant, and how lifestyle choices are evolving. Sun Belt metros, college towns, and micropolitan hubs continue to reflect trends toward affordable housing, employment opportunities, and quality of life.
Analyzing metro and micro area growth is essential valuable if you’re in retail, real estate, or any business that relies on location strategy. SiteSeer helps you understand those patterns and identify high-growth areas and other trends. That helps you make smarter, data-driven location decisions.
Take a demo of SiteSeer today to explore how the platform can support your next expansion with actionable insights.
