Maricopa is back on the map as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest population estimates released last week. 

The city experienced a remarkable population surge of 18,512 residents from 2020 to 2024, representing a 24.2% increase, a growth rate that places it among the top-growing municipalities in the country. 

The newly released Vintage 2024 Population Estimates highlight an accelerating trend: People are flocking to the American South and West. Of the top 15 cities with the largest numeric population gains from 2023 to last year, a dozen were located in these fast-expanding regions.  

With a current estimated population of 76,654, Maricopa has outpaced larger and more established Arizona cities regarding percentage growth. The Arizona Republic reported Thursday that Maricopa was the fifth population gainer in Arizona by raw numbers. Adjusted for size, InMaricopa found the city was No. 2.

Maricopa was beaten only by Queen Creek, which grew by 29%, adding 24,292 residents. Casa Grande grew by 22.2%. Buckeye posted a growth rate of 20%. 

Last year, Maricopa was named the fifth fastest growing city in the country; the year before, it was No. 3 in the West. 

Maricopa’s rapid expansion reflects a broader trend seen among our neighbors to the north in Maricopa County. The Phoenix metro was the fastest growing county in the nation by housing units. The county added 38,000 housing units between 2023 and 2024, more than any other in the country. 

In terms of raw numbers, major metropolitans saw the largest population growth. New York City (+87,184), Houston (+43,217) and Los Angeles (+31,276) led the nation in new residents. 

The South’s representation in the 15 cities with the largest population gains was somewhat outsized because Texas is going gangbusters with its population growth. Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth all saw some of the nation’s fastest growing areas.