In 1950, the U.S. population reached a new milestone of 150.1 million people. That number more than doubled by 2016 and is only expected to continue climbing: Experts predict the U.S. to be home to more than 400 million people by 2050.
There’s more to population growth than a postwar baby boom, of course, As life expectancies have lengthened from 69 years old in 1950 to a full decade older today, the total number of babies being born outpaces the total number of deaths.
Populations also swell when people from other areas move in for job opportunities, warmer weather, or to be closer to family or other loved ones. Each year, an estimated 40 million Americans move at least once, according to U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program.
But what cities have grown the most in the U.S. since 1950? To find out, Stacker pored over 66 years of U.S. Census data from 1950 through 2016 (the latest data available) to compile a list of the 100 largest American cities by population.
The difference in total population for each city between 1950 and 2016 was then calculated. Stacker further trimmed the list down to the 25 cities with the largest increase in inhabitants from 1950 to 2016. For the purposes of this gallery, cities are ordered from fewest to most new residents added in the 66 years reviewed.
While some states like California and Texas have experienced rapid growth across their borders, some cities in states like Utah and Oregon didn’t make the cut. Whether you’ve already planted your roots in one of these U.S. cities, or are looking to make your home elsewhere, check out the 20 cities that have grown the most since 1950.
