Two Arizona cities are the fastest growing in the United States, according to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday.

Buckeye's population saw the largest percentage growth of any city in the country, growing its size by 8.5% between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2018. It now has a population of 74,370.

Phoenix saw the largest numeric increase during that time frame, adding 25,288 people for a total population of 1,660,272.

This is the third year in a row that more people moved to Phoenix than any other city in the country.

Phoenix's increase helped the city remain the fifth-largest city in the country — just slightly ahead of Philadelphia's population of 1,584,138. Phoenix is far from catching the fourth largest city, Houston, which has a population of 2,325,502.

The Census Bureau announced in April that Maricopa County was the fastest growing county in the country for the third year in a row.

Fastest growing cities by percentage

Fastest growing cities by numeric increase

To learn more about just how large the Valley could grow, listen to this episode of the Republic's weekly podcast, Valley 101 (and subscribe on any podcasting app). Start at 1:30 to jump right in.

Reach the reporter at jessica.boehm@gannett.com or 480-694-1823. Follow her on Twitter @jboehm_NEWS.

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