Celina has stolen the spotlight from Princeton, topping the U.S. Census Bureau list of fastest-growing American cities and towns, by percentage, with more than 20,000 residents.

According to data for the period of July 2024 to July 2025, Princeton fell to No. 3 despite an 18.1% growth rate for a total population estimated at 43,524 residents.

“Whether Princeton ranks first, third, fifth or tenth in growth, our priority remains the same: making sure we grow responsibly and thoughtfully for the long term,” said Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. “Growth is only meaningful if it protects and improves the quality of life our residents expect: strong neighborhoods, safe streets, good schools, parks and reliable infrastructure.”

The Census Bureau said Celina, No. 1 in 2023, was again on top — growing by 24.6% during the period for a total of 64,427 residents.

Fulshear, near Houston in Fort Bend County, was No. 2 with a 21.0% growth percentage and 64,630 total population.

The Top 5 fastest-growing cities were all in Texas, with No. 4 Melissa growing by 14.5% to 29,969 and No. 5 Anna, with 35,245 residents, growing by 10.2%.

Last year, Princeton ranked No. 1 with the Census Bureau estimating Princeton’s population had jumped 30.6% to 37,019. City officials said the actual number was probably higher.

“These numbers reflect that people continue to choose Princeton as a place to live, work, and raise a family — and we take that responsibility seriously,” Escobar said. “Our goal is not simply to grow fast, but to grow smart, maintain excellent city services and ensure Princeton remains a great place to call home for both current and future residents.”

Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber of Commerce President Beth Willhite said Princeton continues to grow, bringing new families, new businesses and new opportunities.

“As we celebrate this growth, we also recognize the key investments and resources our city still needs,” Willhite said. “The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to helping make them happen.”

From 2022 to 2023, Princeton was the nation’s third-fastest-growing city with a 22.3% growth rate, the Census Bureau said.

That rate prompted the city to impose three temporary moratoriums on new residential construction.

The third moratorium expired last November, and a new state law requires a two-year wait before another building pause can be enacted.

The first moratorium of 120 days was imposed in September 2024 to allow time for the struggling city to plan infrastructure improvements. The building ban was extended for 180 days in January 2025 and then renewed for 160 days in June 2025.

It suspended the acceptance and authorization of permits and approvals necessary for residential property development such as subdivision, platting, construction and reconstruction — or other alterations or improvements — within the city limits and 2 miles beyond into the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

However, another recent Texas law allows property owners in the ETJ to opt out of inclusion in that zone.

In 2020, The Census Bureau said Princeton’s population was 17,000 people.

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