Boomtowns: 10 real estate markets poised for rapid population growth

The U.S. population will rise 8.9 percent between 2010 and 2020 to 337.1 million, according to projections from data analysis firm Proximity One, Inman News reported on its website.

The firm looks at results from the 2010 census as well as historical birth, death, migration and economic data. According to the 2010 census, the nation's inhabitants grew to 308.7 million between 2000 and 2010, a 9.7 percent increase.

The 10 metro areas expected to see the biggest jumps in population between 2010 and 2020 are mostly in states that experienced increases of between 15 percent and 25 percent in the last decade: North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Georgia, Idaho and Colorado.

The top ten real estate boomtowns:

1. Raleigh-Cary, N.C., with a 35.7% projected increase
2. Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash., with a 35.3% projected increase
3. Austin-Round Rock, Texas, with a 33.1% project increase
4. Provo-Orem, Utah, with a 31.9% projected increase
5. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Ga., with a 30.8% projected increase
6. Logan, Utah-Idaho, with a 29.4% projected increase
7. Grand Junction, Colo., with a 28.7% projected increase
8. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas, with a 27.3% projected increase
9. Idaho Falls, Idaho, with a 26.8% projected increase
10. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C., with a 26.4% projected increase

For more information: www.inman.com/news/2011/06/15/top-10-real-estate-boomtowns-2020