2 Phoenix suburbs among the fastest-growing U.S. cities

In 2020, Phoenix surpassed Philadelphia to become the fifth-largest city in the U.S. In the five years since, Phoenix has only continued to grow — recent U.S. Census data shows the Arizona capital among the cities with the largest population increase last year.

Yet to find Arizona’s fastest-growing cities, one must look not at Phoenix or Tucson but on their outskirts. According to census data from July 2023 to July 2024, five Arizona cities — really, suburbs and exurbs — grew faster than all the others. These five landed among the 50 fastest-growing cities or towns by population growth rate nationwide.

Here they are, listed in order of their top-50 rank. All numbers as of July 2024.

No. 23: Queen Creek

Population: 83,781
Total increase: 6,286
Percentage increase: 8%

This rapidly growing southeastern Valley town is about 40 miles from Phoenix, straddling Maricopa and Pinal counties. The suburb is a planned community, but it has faced issues with development due to a lack of groundwater. Still, Queen Creek consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family in the Phoenix area.

No. 27: Casa Grande

Population: 68,927
Total increase: 4,900
Percentage increase: 7.7%

While technically just outside the boundary of Maricopa County, and thus not really a Phoenix suburb, this central Arizona city sits between 50 miles from Phoenix and 70 miles from Tucson along the Arizona Sun Corridor. The relative proximity to reach has allowed the Casa Grande to expand along the transportation route with family-friendly amenities, such as golf courses, shopping centers, parks and medical facilities.

No. 28: Maricopa

Population: 76,654
Total increase: 5,292
Percentage increase: 7.4%

Contrary to its name, this central Arizona city isn’t located in Maricopa County. Instead, it’s about 35 miles south of Phoenix in Pinal County, neighboring Casa Grande.

Still, Phoenix is a big reason for its rapid growth. Maricopa has become a commuter town for residents drawn in by its affordable housing and major investments in development.

No. 32: Apache Junction

Population: 44,309
Total increase: 2,961
Percentage increase: 7.2%

Just 17 miles north of Queen Creek — and, like its neighbor, split between Maricopa and Pinal counties — Apache Junction has also experienced impressive growth. Nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains and just 35 miles from Phoenix, it offers lots of opportunities to explore nature at Lost Dutchman State Park, which features hiking trails, campsites and horseback riding.

No. 42: Marana

Population: 62,380
Total increase: 3,555
Percentage increase: 6%

This city is just 20 miles northwest of Tucson in both Pinal and Pima counties, and is the only Tucson suburb among the 50 fastest-growing cities in the nation. It’s home to many planned communities for families, outdoor activities such as biking and golf and plenty of opportunities to explore the Sonoran desert, including the Tucson and Tortolita Mountains.