A great exurban surge is reshaping America

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates ; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios The demographic landscape of the U.S. is undergoing a dramatic outward shift as growth shifts from cities to exurban communities , according to new U.S. Census estimates . Why it matters: The places that will define the next generation may not yet have a Starbucks, a working freeway interchange at rush hour or a school that isn't overcrowded. But they have people — and they're getting more every year. The new data released last week and analyzed by Axios show the fastest-growing places since 2020 are concentrated on the extreme outer edges of major metropolitan areas. This will affect congressional apportionment, federal funding formulas, school districts and political power for years to come. By the numbers: Celina, Texas — a fast-growing exurb north of Dallas — expanded 24.6% in a single year, the fastest growth among cities over 20,000 from July 2024 to July 2025. Since 2020 nearby Forney has led all cities over 20,000 in population growth, with a 78.9% jump. Haines City, Florida, an Orlando exurb, swelled 67.4%; Hutto, Texas (an Austin exurb) increased 66.9%. Zoom in: Five of the top 10 fastest-growing cities since 2020 are in Texas, including Georgetown (up 58.5% since 2020), Leander (53.8%), Kyle (53%) and Hutto (66.9%). Zoom out: Even where big cities are growing, they're often being outpaced by their own suburbs. Outer-ring communities in metros like Dallas, Phoenix and Atlanta are absorbing more growth than central cities. The fastest-growth clusters are often one or two counties beyond traditional suburbs . The intrigue: Look closely at the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to see this phenomenon in hyperdrive. The economic powerhouse is no longer pulling people into its center. Small peripheral communities are absorbing the influx: Celina, Princeton (+18.1%), Melissa (+14.5%), and Anna (+10.2%) were among the top five fastest...

Original source: Axios