Suburban Phoenix cities among fastest-growing in country

PHOENIX — Two metro Phoenix cities were among the fastest-growing cities in America, the U.S. Census Bureau said.

In figures released Thursday, Goodyear and the town of Gilbert ranked Nos. 6 and 12, while Texas dominated the top 15 fastest growers with seven cities.

Goodyear, in the West Valley, had a 4.8 percent increase, for a 2013 population of 72,864. The census measured from July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2013.

Gilbert, in the East Valley, climbed 4 percent, for 229,972 residents.

Overall, the West and South had the most cities in the top 15. San Marcos, Texas, grew the most at 8 percent.

In most populous cities, Phoenix was fifth
in population with 1,513,367. The state’s capital also was fifth among cities with the largest numeric increase, gaining 24,843.

New York was the most-populated city with 8,405,837.

More than a dozen cities in the nation hit the 50,000-population mark, including Casa Grande.