More people more to Charlotte in 2022 than most Southern cities, a new study found.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Queen City ranked 15th among the nation’s fastest-growing cities by percentage and 5th in numeric growth.
The study shows that 15,217 people moved to Charlotte in 2022, behind cities including Georgetown, Texas, Cape Coral, FL., and Maricopa, AZ.
Katie Zager, a research associate at UNC Charlotte, attributes the amount of new residents to the cost of housing in the south.
“The fastest growing cities are where housing costs are typically lower,” she told QCity Metro.
Zager said Charlotte’s population has grown in the last decade due to its growing attractions and amenities.
Charlotte’s demographic also plays a factor, she said.
“Charlotte has a relatively young population, which impacts job growth,” Zager said. “Job growth attracts more young workers.”
And Charlotte ranked eighth in U.S. News & World’s rankings of the best places to live in 2023-24.
The list evaluated the country’s 150 most populous metropolitan areas based on how they meet Americans’ living expectations. Grading factors included value, job market, desirability and quality of life.
“The word is out that Charlotte is a great place for both businesses and families, with economic opportunity for everyone,” Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement. “Thank you to all our residents who contribute to making our city truly special. We will continue our work in making Charlotte an even better place to call home.”
As Charlotte continues to grow, so will surrounding cities like Concord and Kannapolis, Zager said.
“We’ll see strong growth as a region. That’ll be important going forward,” she said.
