Fastest Growing Cities in North Carolina
Are you searching for the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina? Here are the top ten NC cities that are on the rise!
North Carolina is a state that offers something for everyone. With many thriving cities from the coast to the mountains, each has unique qualities and high rankings, making it a great place to live.
North Carolina continues to experience remarkable population growth, with many cities across the state attracting new residents at an impressive rate.
Each city has unique qualities and pros and cons depending on the location. Despite their size, these locations are rising and are some of the most popular places to relocate to in North Carolina, whether to retire, find work, or settle down.
Do not miss out on the beauty and history of this state. If you want to move to North Carolina for retirement or to raise a family, check out the beautiful homes for sale here and in these fast-growing cities throughout the state.
Here's our comprehensive look at the ten fastest-growing cities in North Carolina and what makes each location unique.
Here are the ten fastest-growing cities in North Carolina.
1. Apex
Apex is a charming town just southwest of Raleigh that has experienced explosive growth, transforming from a small railway stop to a thriving suburban community. Named one of the best small citites in the nation, Apex is a popular place to call home.
It is considered one of the area's fastest-growing communities while retaining its small-town feel. Located in Wake County, Apex is regarded as a smaller suburb of Raleigh, with a population of 72,225. Due to its small-town charm and community spirit, Apex is known as "the peak of good living."
If you're interested in living near the heart of the state while also preferring a smaller town on the rise, Apex may be the perfect choice. The growth in this area is consistently increasing, and this charming town continues to attract people from all over. It's a tight-knit and inviting community that's on the rise.
If you want to move to Apex, check out the best neighborhoods in the town to find the perfect area for you. There are plenty of homes for sale in Apex to choose from.
2. Waxhaw
Waxhaw is a suburb within the Charlotte area with about 23,073 residents. Although it may be the 44th biggest city in North Carolina, it has a steady growth rate of about 3.21% annually. Waxhaw has maintained its history and charm throughout the historic district while growing.
Between 2010 and 2023, the population in Waxhaw increased by 134% as the town and the surrounding Charlotte area experienced a boom in residential and business growth.
Waxhaw has expanded to accommodate the residents as the city grows while maintaining local jobs, safety, and a unique history. People are moving to this western city mainly because of the small-town feel, good schools, and safe neighborhoods.
3. Fuquay-Varina
Fuquay-Varina is one of the best places to live in Wake County and many people are moving here. It is known for its beautiful homes and many things to do. This city is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing in North Carolina and the Triangle area.
Known as the Triangle's best secret, this city has a population of about 43,817, almost doubling over the past ten years. The new construction and rise in population make this Raleigh suburb a place to relocate to.
Fuquay is a safe place to live, offering affordable real estate and many things to do. Many people are relocating to this city because of the overflow of people moving to Raleigh, but Fuquay-Varina does have its unique qualities.
Looking at the available real estate in Fuquay-Varina may be perfect if you want to move to an affordable and thriving area.
4. Leland
Leland is a thriving community located just minutes outside downtown Wilmington. Due to its business expansion, this city is also one of the fastest-growing towns in the state. With a beautiful suburban feel and many natural amenities, it is a popular area for young families, retirees, and people searching for employment.
This town has experienced consistent growth for years and is one of the largest municipalities in Brunswick County, with 35,000 residents. Leland is growing at 6.79% annually and has affordable housing.
With some of the best communities and neighborhoods in the area, there is constant growth and development throughout, which gives residents many amenities and things to choose from.
Wilmington's historic riverfront downtown features more than 200 blocks of preserved architecture. Film and television production remains an important industry, with Cinespace Studios located here.
The city's proximity to multiple beaches (Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure) gives residents options for coastal recreation. At the same time, the growing craft brewery scene and culinary offerings rival those of much larger cities.
If you are considering living near the coast but want to remain in a small town, moving to Leland may be the best option because this town is only on the rise.
5. Holly Springs
Holly Springs is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. With a population of about 46,271 residents, this city has grown about 3.27% annually. Just 20 minutes outside the State Capital, it is a sought-after destination for relocation.
The homes available here are new and affordable, while each neighborhood offers its own unique style. With plentiful jobs and opportunities, this city is a popular place for families and people searching for career opportunities.
There are many reasons why people are moving to Holly Springs. Whether it is for the affordability, beautiful weather, central location, low crime, or family-friendly things to do, this place has something for everyone. It is a perfect place to find your forever home.
If you want to move to Holly Springs, you should check out the gorgeous homes here to help find the perfect home that fits your needs before they are gone.
6. Clayton
Clayton is one of the best places to relocate to in the state and the #1 best place to live in Johnson County. Due to its location outside Raleigh, Clayton offers residents a slight suburban feel and close access to the busy city life at the state's capital.
Since this area has a high quality of life and many opposites, many people are looking to move to Clayton since it is a place for everyone. This town is growing fast, with a population of 30,216, and is still one of the safest places to raise a family.
This town prides itself on its businesses, economic development, and education. With a booming and evolving economy, this area is a perfect place to move to if you are searching for career opportunities and a thriving economy.
A beautiful place to retire and live, Clayton is a perfect location to relocate due to its excellent potential for growth here. If you are interested in moving to North Carolina and want to be near it all but still have a quiet and peaceful environment, you should check out available real estate in Clayton.
7. Cary
Cary is a top-rated destination with excellent schools, weather, and amenities. People are relocating here for many reasons, especially because it's one of the best places to raise a family.
With a population of 180,010, the city of Cary has tripled in size in the last twenty years and continues to grow because it attracts families, young professionals, and retirees. With many things to do, this city has something for everyone and a friendly and welcoming community.
If you are moving somewhere new and need to find a job, Cary has endless opportunities and is ranked as one of the best places for jobs in the United States due to its proximity to the Raleigh area. With a focus on technology, health care, and education, this city has many things that attract people to the site.
With many high rankings, Cary is a great place to move to and is one of the best suburbs outside Raleigh that is mainly sought after. So, if you are interested in moving to Cary, you should check out the beautiful homes in Cary.
8. Kannapolis
Kannapolis is a charming city located northeast of Charlotte. It offers a unique blend of history, beautiful homes for sale, and various things to do.
Experiencing both residential and commercial development, Kannapolis's population grew by 39% between 2010 and 2023. Attracting families and young professionals, the area now has a population of over 59,321.
This area is also the center of education and science and is home to many thriving schools and industries. Due to its flourishing history, houses here have their own unique beauty, which is one of the main reasons why people love this town.
With its tree-lined streets and unique homes, Kannapolis is a beautiful destination in North Carolina. This welcoming city is emerging and growing yet still maintains low housing costs, a low cost of living, and pleasant weather.
9. Durham
Durham has a population of 296,186, and between 2022 and 2023, the city grew by 1.54%. Since 2020, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro area population size increased by 6.6%.
As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, Durham, many people are moving to Durham because of its job opportunities, strong sense of community, and affordable housing options.
Once known primarily for tobacco and textiles, Durham has reinvented itself as a hub for healthcare, education, and technology. The Bull City's growth is fueled by Duke University's expansion and the development of downtown areas like the American Tobacco Campus.
Historic neighborhoods like Trinity Park offer beautiful homes for sale in Durham within walking distance of Duke's campus, while former industrial areas have been transformed into creative communities.
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10. Burlington
Burlington is a thriving city with a vibrant and rich history and a promising future due to its significant growth. Located in the heart of North Carolina, it is a popular destination for people looking for affordable living and a high quality of life.
This welcoming community has so much to offer its residents and local businesses, which is why Burlington thrives. A short drive from the Triangle, this city is on the rise with a population of 60,032 and has much to offer its community.
Burlington is an excellent place for young adults and families to move to because of its booming job market and exceptional education. Burlington has or is near it, no matter what you are searching for. So, if you are interested in living in the middle of it all, check out homes in Burlington.
Methodology
To determine the fastest growing cities in North Carolina, data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Raleigh News and Observer, and World Population Review in May 2025.
FAQS
What is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina?
Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing countries in NC. This area has seen a widespread increase of 27% over the past ten years and is projected to grow rapidly.
Is North Carolina up and coming?
Due to the beautiful beaches on the coast and the natural beauty in the mountains, this state has gained much recognition for its thriving economy, growing population, and natural beauty.
Why is North Carolina growing so fast?
North Carolina is growing fast because of the economic opportunities, natural beauty, and high quality of life, making it an ideal place to live.
Fastest Growing Cities in North Carolina - Final Thoughts
Many thriving cities across the state, from the coast to the mountains, have unique qualities and are ranked highly, making them great places to live.
Despite their size, they are on the rise and are some of the most popular places to relocate to in North Carolina, whether for retirement, work, or settling down.
Contact Raleigh Realty today to begin your home-buying journey in one of these thriving communities.
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