Texas Sweeps the Board: The Top 5 Fastest-Growing Cities in US for 2026

If you've been paying attention to where Americans are putting down roots, the numbers tell a story that's impossible to ignore. The U.S. Census Bureau just released its Vintage 2025 population estimates on May 14, 2026, and the verdict is in: the five fastest-growing cities in the entire country are all right here in Texas. Even more remarkable? Four of them are right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Let's take a closer look at the cities leading the nation in growth and what's drawing so many people to call them home.

1. Celina, TX - 24.6% Growth

2025 Population: 64,427

For the second time in recent years, Celina takes the crown as the fastest-growing city in America. Sitting just north of Frisco along the Dallas North Tollway corridor, Celina has become a magnet for families and professionals seeking space, top-rated schools, and a small-town feel with big-city access.

What was once a quiet farming community is now one of the most sought-after destinations in North Texas. Master-planned communities, new retail and dining, and an expanding network of parks and trails are transforming Celina while it works hard to preserve the charm that made people fall in love with it in the first place.

Why people are moving here: Strong schools, new construction at accessible price points, and a genuine sense of community that's increasingly hard to find.

2. Fulshear, TX - 21.0% Growth

2025 Population: 64,630

The one outlier on the list — and the only city not in DFW — Fulshear sits about 35 miles west of downtown Houston and has exploded as one of the premier suburban destinations in the Houston metro. With its blend of newer master-planned communities, excellent schools in the Lamar Consolidated ISD, and a scenic setting along the Brazos River, Fulshear offers families room to breathe without sacrificing connectivity to Houston's massive job market.

The city has seen a wave of new retail, restaurants, and medical facilities follow its residential boom, making it increasingly self-sufficient for daily life.

Why people are moving here: A 30 to 45 minute commute to Houston's energy, medical, and tech corridors, paired with newer homes and highly rated schools.

3. Princeton, TX - 18.1% Growth

2025 Population: 43,524

Princeton sits along the US 380 corridor east of McKinney, and it's been one of the fastest-transforming communities in Collin County. A wave of new housing development has made Princeton an attractive option for buyers who want to stay connected to the DFW metro but need more home for their budget than what's available in closer-in suburbs.

With Lake Lavon to the south and easy access to major employers via 380 and Highway 75, Princeton is positioned for continued growth as the metroplex expands eastward.

Why people are moving here: Affordability relative to neighboring McKinney and Frisco, plus proximity to major employment centers.

4. Melissa, TX - 14.5% Growth

2025 Population: 29,969

Just south of Anna and north of McKinney along Highway 75, Melissa has quietly become one of the most desirable small cities in North Texas. Its highly regarded school district is a major draw, and the city has managed its growth thoughtfully with new residential developments, parks, and community spaces that maintain its family-oriented character.

Melissa offers that rare combination of small-town atmosphere with a 15-minute drive to the shopping, dining, and employment hubs of McKinney and Allen.

Why people are moving here: The Melissa ISD reputation, new home inventory, and a location that keeps daily life convenient without feeling crowded.

5. Anna, TX - 10.2% Growth

2025 Population: 35,245

Rounding out the top five is Anna, just north of Melissa along Highway 75. Like its neighbors, Anna has benefited from the relentless northward expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Affordable housing, larger lot sizes, and a growing roster of local amenities have made Anna especially popular with young families and first-time homebuyers.

Anna's growth has spurred new commercial development along the 75 corridor, meaning residents increasingly have what they need close to home.

Why people are moving here: More home for the money, a family-friendly environment, and easy access to the broader Collin County job market.

What This Means for North Texas

The Census Bureau data confirms what we've been seeing on the ground: the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex remains one of the most dynamic growth engines in the country. Four of the top five fastest-growing cities in the nation — Celina, Princeton, Melissa, and Anna — are DFW suburbs, all located along the northern corridor stretching from McKinney up through Celina. Fulshear, the lone non-DFW city on the list, anchors the Houston metro's westward expansion.

The South as a whole dominated the national rankings, claiming 10 of the 15 fastest-growing cities and 11 of the 12 largest numeric gains. But Texas in particular is in a league of its own.

For homebuyers, this means opportunity. For sellers, it means demand. And for anyone watching the real estate landscape, it means North Texas is not slowing down anytime soon.

Thinking about making a move to one of these fast-growing communities? Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth in today's market, I'd love to help. Reach out anytime and let's talk about what's happening in your neighborhood.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates (released May 14, 2026). Data covers July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025 for cities with populations of 20,000 or more.