Fastest Growing Counties in America (2026)

The Lone Star State's Unstoppable Magnetism

Texas isn't just a player in population growth; it's the undisputed champion, with 18 counties on this list. From Kaufman to Rockwall, the sheer volume of Texans moving within the state, or new residents flocking in, speaks to a powerful draw. This migration pattern suggests a combination of economic opportunity, relative affordability in many areas, and a lifestyle that continues to attract a diverse influx of people.

Florida's Coastal and Retirement Appeal

While Texas dominates, Florida's strong showing with 11 counties highlights another significant migration trend. Counties like Osceola and St. Johns are experiencing rapid growth, often driven by both retirees seeking warmer climates and families drawn to the state's expanding job markets and recreational opportunities. This dual appeal creates a consistent demand for new housing and infrastructure, fueling the population boom.

The Affordability-Growth Paradox in Liberty County

Liberty County, TX, stands out as a fascinating case study in population growth. Ranking third in population growth, it also boasts the highest affordability ratio on the entire list. This suggests that while many fast-growing areas face escalating housing costs, Liberty County is attracting new residents precisely because it offers a more attainable cost of living, making it a prime destination for those seeking value without sacrificing proximity to larger economic hubs.

#	County	BTI Score	Pop Growth	GDP Growth	1yr Forecast	Population
01	Kaufman County TX	26	+7.4%	—	-2.2%	172,604
02	Rockwall County TX	17	+5.7%	—	-1.8%	123,617
03	Liberty County TX	4	+5.5%	—	-1.8%	103,380
04	Comal County TX	4	+5.3%	—	-2.7%	183,826
05	Jackson County GA	17	+5.1%	—	-2.1%	84,757
06	Osceola County FL	51	+5.0%	—	-2.3%	427,415
07	St. Johns County FL	46	+5.0%	—	-1.2%	306,934
08	Hays County TX	4	+4.8%	—	-3.8%	268,638
09	Chambers County TX	22	+4.7%	—	-0.9%	51,498
10	Brunswick County NC	51	+4.6%	—	-0.1%	152,568
11	Montgomery County TX	13	+4.5%	—	-1.6%	684,432
12	Ellis County TX	54	+4.5%	—	-1.1%	213,160
13	Parker County TX	76	+4.5%	—	-0.3%	165,168
14	Williamson County TX	6	+4.5%	—	-2.2%	672,688
15	Pinal County AZ	92	+4.4%	—	-1.6%	469,006
16	Sumter County FL	86	+4.3%	—	-1.2%	143,408
17	Collin County TX	2	+4.2%	—	-3.1%	1,163,337
18	St. Lucie County FL	88	+4.1%	—	-1.3%	360,500
19	Bastrop County TX	5	+4.1%	—	-2.8%	106,582
20	Flagler County FL	84	+4.0%	—	-1.2%	126,528
21	Fort Bend County TX	13	+4.0%	—	-1.6%	893,767
22	Polk County FL	63	+3.9%	—	-2.4%	790,694
23	Canadian County OK	35	+3.9%	—	+0.8%	168,985
24	Walton County FL	89	+3.9%	—	-1.9%	82,948
25	Hunt County TX	22	+3.9%	—	-2.2%	108,972
26	Pasco County FL	6	+3.9%	—	-3.0%	611,444
27	Horry County SC	79	+3.8%	—	-0.5%	383,016
28	Dallas County IA	18	+3.7%	—	+0.2%	107,968
29	Wise County TX	3	+3.7%	—	-2.2%	75,005
30	Johnson County TX	33	+3.6%	—	-1.1%	195,597
31	Denton County TX	2	+3.6%	—	-2.3%	979,561
32	Lake County FL	45	+3.6%	—	-1.7%	412,924
33	Lancaster County SC	21	+3.5%	—	-1.2%	104,475
34	Waller County TX	0	+3.5%	—	-3.2%	61,552
35	Tooele County UT	33	+3.5%	—	-0.5%	79,347
36	Washington County UT	90	+3.5%	—	-0.7%	196,431
37	Hampshire County MA	39	+3.5%	—	+1.8%	162,028
38	Canyon County ID	99	+3.5%	—	+0.5%	250,790
39	Lincoln County SD	34	+3.4%	—	+1.1%	70,638
40	Iron County UT	98	+3.4%	—	+0.6%	62,252
41	Wilson County TN	59	+3.4%	—	+0.2%	158,805
42	Limestone County AL	46	+3.4%	—	-0.3%	111,233
43	Nassau County FL	23	+3.4%	—	-0.4%	97,859
44	Berkeley County SC	89	+3.4%	—	+0.4%	246,802
45	Franklin County NC	93	+3.4%	—	+0.3%	74,386
46	Johnston County NC	37	+3.4%	—	-1.1%	234,263
47	Barrow County GA	87	+3.3%	—	-0.1%	89,886
48	Manatee County FL	21	+3.3%	—	-2.5%	429,792
49	Pender County NC	81	+3.3%	—	+0.8%	65,550
50	Bonner County ID	99	+3.2%	—	+1.9%	51,049

Fastest Growing Counties in America

The Lone Star State's Unstoppable Magnetism

Florida's Coastal and Retirement Appeal

The Affordability-Growth Paradox in Liberty County

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