Utah's Fastest Growing City in 2022: A Look at Census Data

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its population estimates for 2022, shedding light on the growth patterns of towns and cities across the nation. In Utah, one city in Utah County stood out as among the fastest-growing large cities in the country, while another municipality joined the ranks of large cities. Let's delve into the details.

Utah's Fastest Growing Large Cities:

• Lehi: 4,456 added residents (5.6% growth)
• South Jordan: 3,411 residents (4.3%)
• St. George: 2,339 residents (2.3%)
• Herriman: 1,024 residents (1.8%)
• Salt Lake City: 3,492 residents (1.7%)

Note: Based on cities with 50,000 people or more in the 2021 estimate.

Other Fastest Growing Towns & Cities:

• West Haven: 2,563 added residents (12.9% growth)
• Tremonton: 1,343 residents (12.8%)
• Saratoga Springs: 5,234 residents (11.8%)
• Santaquin: 1,533 (10%)
• Eagle Mountain: 4,492 residents (9%)

Note: Based on towns and cities with 10,000 to 49,999 people in the 2021 estimate. Eagle Mountain is now considered a large city but was not in 2021.

Source: Census Bureau

Utah County:

Lehi, a city in Utah County, experienced significant growth, with an estimated population increase of 5.6% between July 2021 and July 2022. This growth placed Lehi as the 14th fastest-growing large city in the United States, among cities with 50,000 residents or more in 2021. During this period, Lehi welcomed around 4,456 new residents, bringing its population to just over 84,000 by mid-2022.

However, Lehi's growth was overshadowed by two other cities in northern Utah County. Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain combined to add nearly 10,000 residents in year-over-year growth, according to the latest census data. Eagle Mountain, one of three U.S. cities to surpass 50,000 residents for the first time in 2022, would have ranked as the second fastest-growing large city in the nation, but it did not meet the 50,000-resident threshold in the bureau's 2021 estimate. Saratoga Springs, on the other hand, is on track to become a large city when the 2023 estimates are released.

Utah County emerged as the leader in population growth within the state, accounting for approximately 40% of the state's overall population gains from July 2021 to July 2022, as reported by the Census Bureau in March. The latest data highlights the growth of multiple towns and cities in the county, although its two largest cities, Provo and Orem, experienced an estimated loss of 3,620 residents.

"We still observe the ongoing trend of Utah County and Washington County driving the statewide growth," noted Emily Harris, a senior demographer at the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. "These two counties contribute to over half of the statewide growth, making them areas of constant observation."

Washington County: 

St. George, located in Washington County, secured the position as the third fastest-growing large city in Utah last year. While Utah County maintains its growth momentum, the Census Bureau named Tooele County as the fastest-growing county in the state for 2022. Additionally, West Haven in Weber County (12.9%) and Tremonton (12.8%) displayed the largest growth among Utah towns and cities with populations ranging from 10,000 to 49,999, demonstrating the potential for growth just beyond the Wasatch Front.

Salt Lake County:

The new data also provides insights into the trends within Salt Lake County, where a decline of 183 residents was observed between the 2021 and 2022 estimates. South Jordan and Salt Lake City were recognized as two of the five fastest-growing large cities in Utah, each adding nearly 3,500 residents over the past year. Herriman and West Jordan also experienced population growth, while Draper, Millcreek, Murray, Sandy, Taylorsville, and West Valley City recorded decreases in population, offsetting any gains.

National Trends: 

Utah led the nation in housing unit growth between 2021 and 2022, with a 3.3% increase in its housing stock. Wasatch County stood out among U.S. counties, leading the way with a growth rate of 7.7% in this category. Nationwide, the trend of people relocating to the South and West regions continues. The latest data release emphasizes the continued growth in communities in Florida and Texas, the two states that experienced the highest population growth overall between 2021 and 2022.

Georgetown, Texas, located just north of Austin, emerged as the fastest-growing large city in the United States, expanding by an impressive 14.4% and reaching an estimated population of 86,507, according to the Census Bureau. Joining the ranks of top-growing cities were Kyle, Leander, and Little Elm, all located in Texas, with Santa Cruz, California, securing a spot in the top five. In terms of numeric growth, Fort Worth and San Antonio claimed the first and third positions, respectively.

Florida showcased its growth with three cities in the top 10 for percentage growth: North Port, Cape Coral, and Port St. Lucie. The latter two also made it to the top 10 in terms of numeric growth. Among Western cities, Phoenix and Seattle stood out as the second and fourth fastest-growing cities in numeric terms.

Despite the growth seen in other regions, New York City remains the largest city in the country, with a population exceeding 8.3 million people.

These trends highlight the dynamic shifts occurring in the United States, with population growth concentrated in specific regions and cities. The data from the U.S. Census Bureau offers valuable insights into the changing demographics and provides a comprehensive understanding of the country's urban landscape.