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Fulshear, Texas is a historic city located 35 miles west of Houston that has experienced some of the fastest population growth and active economic activity, making it the largest boomtown in the United States.
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In the eight years between 2015 and 2023, Fulshear’s population grew by an impressive 736%.
According to Merriam-Webster, the first use of the term “boomtown” likely occurred in the late 1800s, but the concept is still around as we enter 2026. The dictionary defines it as “a town enjoying prosperity in commerce and population.” Or, as GOBankingRates.com puts it when identifying each state’s largest boomtown, it’s a destination that “experiences positive economic activity and population growth.”
The company used data from the 2015 and 2023 U.S. Census American Community Surveys to analyze U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 500,000. Once the neighborhoods were narrowed down, the team calculated changes in population and per capita income over eight years.
The company named Fulshear, Texas, a historic city west of Houston, as the largest emerging city in the United States. From 2015 to 2023, Fulshear’s population grew by an eye-popping 736%. (The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 54,629 people called Fall Hill home in 2024.)
On the other hand, Fulshear’s per capita income change was only 6.1%, much lower than other emerging towns in the United States. For reference, per capita income in Jersey City, New Jersey, increased 72.8% during the same period.
Still, it’s clear people are migrating to Fulshear in large numbers. But what drives them to this part of Texas? This could be the public education system. Niche.com gives Fulshear’s schools an A+ rating, which matches the city’s job market and family-friendly qualities. Fulshear also has a low crime rate and has many new developments and residential communities (such as Cross Creek Ranch). Not to mention, it’s only about 35 miles from Houston, so big city amenities are within driving distance.
It’s no surprise that as cities grow, real estate becomes increasingly unaffordable. As of December 2025, Fulshear’s average home price is $527,109, more than $200,000 higher than Texas and more than $150,000 higher than the national average.
Texas isn’t the only state experiencing eye-popping growth. The population of Fort Mill, South Carolina grew by 125.8% between 2015 and 2023. In Queen Creek, Arizona, the population grew by 120.2%.
Visit gobankingrates.com to learn about other emerging cities in the United States.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
