Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau released figures that show Arizona is one popular state. The entire state saw a increase of 1.7% in its total population in 2016 with urban areas becoming denser and even our little towns experiencing some degree of growth. Not all Arizonans are happy about population growth but at least we’re not seeing our population numbers plummet!
Let’s take a look at some of the towns—which we’re defining as places with a population under 15,000—that have experienced the most growth last year.
- Carefree
Mark Cameron/Flickr Carefree sounds like the idyllic place to live, doesn’t it? Sitting on the outskirts of Phoenix, this gives a nice small town vibe to an otherwise dense city, featuring festivals, small parks, and fantastic restaurants. The town grew to a population of 3,724, making its one-year growth 1.9%.
- Springerville
Midnight Believer/Flickr This tiny town sits in eastern Arizona with fantastic views of the White Mountains and a quiet atmosphere. Surrounded by forested mountains, there are so many opportunities for outdoor activities that we can only guess that’s why people have chosen to live here! The town’s population grew to 1,995, experiencing a 1.9% growth.
- St. Johns
Ken Lund/Flickr St. Johns is a pretty small town in eastern Arizona, sitting at the intersection of Highways 180 and 191. If you’re looking to escape into small town living, this is the town to do it! The next nearest town, Concho, is a 20 minute drive away. The town’s population grew to 3,568 in 2016, experiencing a 2.2% growth.
- Coolidge
Jasperdo/Flickr Located near Casa Grande, Coolidge is one of those communities where you’ll be surrounded by agriculture. It offers a nice small town feel even though the population grew to 12,528, making its growth for the year 2.5%. One of the main attractions is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
- Cottonwood
Ken Lund/Flickr Who wouldn’t want to relocate to the Verde Valley? Filled with riparian beauty, Cottonwood is actually one of the larger towns in the area as its population grew to 11,990, a 2.5% increase. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails in the area, nearby wineries and historic spots, plus the town’s mainstreet has a charming atmosphere.
- Kearny
Clay Gilliland/Flickr You’re probably not the first person who hasn’t heard of this tiny town in Pinal County. Located on State Route177 between Tucson and Globe, this town feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. That be a nice perk if you’re looking to escape the city! The town has a couple of great little restaurants, a golf course, and its location right next to the Gila River means you can enjoy some lovely views throughout the year. The town grew to 2,075, experiencing a 2.6% growth.
- Mammoth
Raquel Baranow/Flickr Another little town that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, Mammoth is actually located about 35 minutes south of Kearny. The town’s population grew to 1,519, experiencing a 2.6% growth. This town is a surprising find since it has some pretty desert views and a few really awesome Mexican restaurants.
- Superior
Alan English CPA/Flickr At one point, this town felt like it was slowly becoming deserted but clearly that’s no longer the case! Superior experienced a 2.6% growth, with its population almost reaching 3,000. They are just one person away! The town has been the backdrop for a number of thriller and horror films but it has a charming aspect to it especially with the beautiful landscapes. You’ll appreciate the small town feel with the Boyce Thompson Arboretum nearby and a golf resort a short distance away.
- Litchfield Park
Sleepydre/Wikimedia Commons If you want to live outside of Phoenix proper but still want access to city living, then Litchfield Park might be the place for you. The town grew to a population of 5,766 experiencing a 2.9% growth and it’s probably safe to say it can’t grow much larger due to its limited land base. It has been voted as one of the best places to live in Arizona and we have to say that with its luxurious ambiance and great festivals, this place sounds perfect!
- Wickenburg
Jimmy Smith/Flickr The final town on our list is Wickenburg, Arizona’s own Dude Ranch Capital of the World. If you’re looking for a smaller town lifestyle with a dash of Western heritage, then you’ll love Wickenburg. Not only are there a good number of dude ranches in the area but you’ll also find the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, plenty of outdoor festivals and activities, plus plenty pieces of history sprinkled around town. Wickenburg’s population grew to 7,115, making its overall growth 3.1% growth.
Did any of these towns take you by surprise? If you were to move to a small town in Arizona, which would you choose?
Mark Cameron/Flickr
Carefree sounds like the idyllic place to live, doesn’t it? Sitting on the outskirts of Phoenix, this gives a nice small town vibe to an otherwise dense city, featuring festivals, small parks, and fantastic restaurants. The town grew to a population of 3,724, making its one-year growth 1.9%.
Midnight Believer/Flickr
This tiny town sits in eastern Arizona with fantastic views of the White Mountains and a quiet atmosphere. Surrounded by forested mountains, there are so many opportunities for outdoor activities that we can only guess that’s why people have chosen to live here! The town’s population grew to 1,995, experiencing a 1.9% growth.
Ken Lund/Flickr
St. Johns is a pretty small town in eastern Arizona, sitting at the intersection of Highways 180 and 191. If you’re looking to escape into small town living, this is the town to do it! The next nearest town, Concho, is a 20 minute drive away. The town’s population grew to 3,568 in 2016, experiencing a 2.2% growth.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Located near Casa Grande, Coolidge is one of those communities where you’ll be surrounded by agriculture. It offers a nice small town feel even though the population grew to 12,528, making its growth for the year 2.5%. One of the main attractions is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Who wouldn’t want to relocate to the Verde Valley? Filled with riparian beauty, Cottonwood is actually one of the larger towns in the area as its population grew to 11,990, a 2.5% increase. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails in the area, nearby wineries and historic spots, plus the town’s mainstreet has a charming atmosphere.
Clay Gilliland/Flickr
You’re probably not the first person who hasn’t heard of this tiny town in Pinal County. Located on State Route177 between Tucson and Globe, this town feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. That be a nice perk if you’re looking to escape the city! The town has a couple of great little restaurants, a golf course, and its location right next to the Gila River means you can enjoy some lovely views throughout the year. The town grew to 2,075, experiencing a 2.6% growth.
Raquel Baranow/Flickr
Another little town that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, Mammoth is actually located about 35 minutes south of Kearny. The town’s population grew to 1,519, experiencing a 2.6% growth. This town is a surprising find since it has some pretty desert views and a few really awesome Mexican restaurants.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
At one point, this town felt like it was slowly becoming deserted but clearly that’s no longer the case! Superior experienced a 2.6% growth, with its population almost reaching 3,000. They are just one person away! The town has been the backdrop for a number of thriller and horror films but it has a charming aspect to it especially with the beautiful landscapes. You’ll appreciate the small town feel with the Boyce Thompson Arboretum nearby and a golf resort a short distance away.
Sleepydre/Wikimedia Commons
If you want to live outside of Phoenix proper but still want access to city living, then Litchfield Park might be the place for you. The town grew to a population of 5,766 experiencing a 2.9% growth and it’s probably safe to say it can’t grow much larger due to its limited land base. It has been voted as one of the best places to live in Arizona and we have to say that with its luxurious ambiance and great festivals, this place sounds perfect!
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
The final town on our list is Wickenburg, Arizona’s own Dude Ranch Capital of the World. If you’re looking for a smaller town lifestyle with a dash of Western heritage, then you’ll love Wickenburg. Not only are there a good number of dude ranches in the area but you’ll also find the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, plenty of outdoor festivals and activities, plus plenty pieces of history sprinkled around town. Wickenburg’s population grew to 7,115, making its overall growth 3.1% growth.
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