New data from the U.S. Census Bureau highlights that several Arizona cities—especially in the Phoenix metro—are growing at breakneck speed. This has major implications for real estate investors hunting for the next hot market.
📍 Fastest-Growing Cities in the U.S. — Arizona Well-Represented
Arizona continues to dominate the charts for population growth:
- Queen Creek ranked #3 nationwide for percentage population growth in 2023, expanding by 6.2%
- Maricopa ranked #7, growing 5.4%
- Goodyear and Buckeye were also among the top 15
These suburbs offer a combination of affordable housing, master-planned communities, and pro-growth policies that attract families and remote workers.
🏙️ Largest Numeric Growth in U.S. — Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler Shine
When looking at total population added:
- Mesa added 8,700 new residents in 2023 — #10 nationwide
- Gilbert and Chandler both added over 6,000 people each
Mesa, in particular, remains a standout for its scale and opportunity for infill development, BTR (build-to-rent) growth, and large-scale master plans.
🔑 What This Means for Investors
This population surge creates both opportunity and urgency:
- Rental demand is expected to remain strong in these areas
- New construction is essential to meet housing needs—making development-friendly cities attractive
- Long-term appreciation potential is significant due to sustained in-migration and job growth
As affordability in California and other markets continues to erode, Arizona’s low cost of living, business-friendly climate, and sunshine remain a magnet for migration.