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Fastest- and Slowest-Growing Cities in America (Infographic)

One similarity in all of the fastest-growing areas is their relatively low population densities.

Using Census data, Forbes magazine determined the fastest- and slowest-growing cities in the nation, many of which are dispersed among the Sunbelt states. 

Looking at growth, Forbes notes that not just economic factors are at play. One similarity in all of the fastest-growing areas, for instance, is their relatively low population densities. Although Raleigh and Austin are held out as “hip” cities, Forbes reports, they have very low-density urban cores. Housing affordability was also a factor. 

The 10 slowest-growing cities included:

  • Cleveland, Ohio, at -3.9 percent;
  • the Detroit-Warren-Livonia area of Michigan at -3.7 percent;
  • Buffalo, N.Y., at -3.0 percent;
  • Pittsburgh, Pa., at -2.8 percent; 
  • Providence, R.I./Mass., at 0.9 percent;
  • Rochester, N.Y., at 1.5 percent; 
  • Milwaukee, Wis., at 4.3 percent;
  • St. Louis, Mo./Ill., at 4.4 percent;
  • Chicago at 4.4 percent; and
  • New York City at 4.5 percent.
The interactive infographic below plots the fastest-growing cities:



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