The 10 Fastest-Growing Towns in Arizona Everyone Is Talking About

Are you interested in a move to Arizona? Or maybe Arizona is one of many different states on your list of possible options for your next move. Either way, it helps to know which areas you should check out. While everyone knows about Phoenix and Tucson, there are actually smaller Arizona towns and cities that have been growing steadily over the years. In fact, these 10 fastest-growing towns in Arizona have been the talk of the state! Below, we’ll take a look at the areas with increased population and some reasons for the growth. 

You’ll find out about the most up-and-coming towns and cities that will help you narrow down your search for your next possible home! If you just want to learn more about Arizona, then you’ll soon be an expert on the most happening areas.

1. Queen Creek, Arizona

Our list starts off with Queen Creek, which is a town just east of Chandler, Arizona. Queen Creek has seen a serious population explosion of about 18.8%% from 2020 to 2022. Back in 2020, the population was approximately 60,895, according to the U.S. Census. In 2022, the population jumped to 70,734 residents. What makes this area so popular is its natural beauty. There are stunning mountain views to take advantage of and tons of hiking trails, plus the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens. If you love the outdoors, then you’ll love what Queen Creek offers. Additionally, the town features great entertainment options as well thanks to the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. This is definitely one of the fastest-growing towns in Arizona!

2. Buckeye City, Arizona

If you consider yourself a nature lover, then you’re going to want to check out Buckeye City in Arizona. This city has been seeing pretty large population growth over the past few years. From 2020 to 2022, the population has seen an increase of around 15.3%. In 2022, the population was estimated to be around 105,567 by the U.S. Census Bureau. One of the biggest reasons for the growth in this city is the sheer number of outdoor activities you can engage in here. Most of the people moving here are outdoor enthusiasts that love having easy access to everything Buckeye City has to offer. A gem of Buckeye City is the 8,700-acre mountain preserve Skyline Regional Park, perfect for hiking, camping, and mountain biking.

3. Maricopa City, Arizona

If you’re looking for an area that has a small-town feel but is still big enough to be a city, then check out Maricopa City. Maricopa City is the second fastest-growing town in Arizona. This city has seen a population growth of approximately 14% between 2020 and 2022. In 2022, the population was an estimated 66,290 residents. So what has caused the population to grow in this small city? Well, many people come to Maricopa thanks to the gorgeous, diverse landscape thanks to its location within the Sonoran Desert. The city features several mountain range backdrops, including the Sierra Estrellas, Palo Verde, and Saddleback Mountains. Some of the parks that are worth checking out are the ​​Jane Askew Memorial Park and Copper Sky Regional Park, a 98-acre complex with a large lake stocked with rainbow trout and catfish. There are also multiple local restaurants to enjoy within Maricopa.

4. Casa Grande, Arizona

Many families have been moving to the city of Casa Grande, and for good reason! Throughout the past few years, this city has seen a significant increase in its population. From 2020 to 2022, there was a population increase of over 11.9%, with the resident population in 2022 at about 60,032 residents. Since Casa Grande is located between Tucson and Phoenix, its great location has been one of the biggest contributing factors to its growth. However, that’s just the beginning of its appeal. The area has a quaint historic downtown with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In addition, there are many golf courses in the area. Overall, this is a very family-friendly area that is only continuing to grow.

5. Goodyear, Arizona

Named after the tire company, the city of Goodyear is only a 25-minute drive from the city of Phoenix. Goodyear has continually grown, and it makes sense when you consider everything this city has to offer. For starters, it is home to Goodyear Ballpark. This ballpark is the training facility for both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. Goodyear is also known for its great restaurants and seven different shopping centers. There are also scenic parks and mountain ranges to enjoy, offering ample space for activities. From 2020 to 2022, the population grew 10.6%.

6. Surprise, Arizona

It’s no surprise that the city of Surprise in Arizona has been seeing decent population growth! In 2020, the population of Surprise was approximately 144,395 residents. However, during the most recent census posted in 2022, the resident population increased to 154,198. This is a 10.6% increase in the population in just two years. So what has been helping the city of Surprise with its surprising growth as it lands as the sixth fastest-growing town in Arizona? Well, one of the biggest contributing factors is the fact that it is only a 45-minute drive away from downtown Phoenix and the Sky Harbor International Airport. Many residents who live here often comment on how the area has a wonderful small-town feel while also housing some great big-city features like fantastic shopping areas and wonderful dining options. Additionally, the local economy gets a boost when the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers train in the city.

7. Marana, Arizona

Marana is a town in Pima County, Arizona. A suburb of Tucson, it has seen some great growth over the years. Marana only had a population of about 52,612 residents back in 2020. When the U.S. Census Bureau collected data for 2022, the resident population shot up to 55,962 — a 7.8% increase. One of the biggest attractions of this area is the spectacular desert landscape, but there are also excellent museums and cultural opportunities. Additionally, there are a lot of great private employers here, such as the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain and Topgolf.

8. Sahuarita, Arizona

Although the town of Sahuarita has continued to stay pretty small and rural, it has been seeing a pretty decent population increase lately. The town had a population of about 34,351 residents back in 2020. Since then, the population has increased by 4.5% when comparing the resident population from 2022 to 2020. If you’re interested in an area of Arizona where you can find cactus-covered mountains and lush hills, then this is an area you’ll want to check out. Since the University of Arizona is located about a mile away from downtown, there is a youthful energy to this town as well. Overall, this is a rural area that is only about 30 minutes away from Tucson, which is great if you’re looking to be close to a bigger city without being too close!

9. Peoria, Arizona

As a major suburb of Phoenix, the city of Peoria has been seeing a decent amount of people moving here. When it comes to its size, Peoria is actually the sixth largest city in Arizona based on land area. The city has seen a population increase of 3.6% when you take into account the population difference from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, the population was documented to be over 190,000 residents. The area has a lot to offer residents, like great dining spots such as Brothers Family Restaurant and Revolu Modern Taqueria and Bar. It also happens to be home to the spring training baseball facilities for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

10. Lake Havasu City, Arizona

At the very end of our list, we have the city of Lake Havasu, which is the tenth fastest-growing town in Arizona. This city is known for housing the original historic London Bridge, which was transported here in 1971. It was assembled on the Bridgewater Channel, which makes it the first and only London Bridge in the United States. It was purchased by Robert P. McCulloch, who hoped to attract more tourists to Lake Havasu. Today, the population of this tiny city continues to grow. In 2022, the population grew by 3.1% when compared to the population in 2020. Lake Havasu City is known for Lake Havasu State Park, where you can camp, picnic, swim, and boat. Delightful dining spots in the city offer delicious cuisine with lake views.

Summary of the 10 Fastest-Growing Towns in Arizona

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