Rapid City was the 54th fastest-growing city in the country
Published Thursday, May 18, 2023
by Shiloh Francis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 18, 2023
Contact:
Shiloh Francis, Senior Marketing & Communications Director, Elevate Rapid City
shiloh.francis@elevaterapidcity.com | 605.870.0364
Second Year in a Row: Rapid City is the Fastest-Growing City in the Midwest
Rapid City, SD – The US Census Bureau has released its Annual City and Town Population totals. Rapid City was the 54th fastest-growing city in 2022, and retained its spot as the fastest-growing community in the Midwest. From July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022 Rapid City grew by 2.74%, six-times the national average of 0.4%. Rapid City is growing faster than Billings, Montana; Madison, Wisconsin; Fargo, North Dakota; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“We know that Rapid City and the Black Hills are unlike any other community across the country. With our world-class mountain biking, trails within walking distance of downtown, a burgeoning brew-pub and coffee scene, and more, it’s not a surprise to us that Rapid City continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country,” said Tom Johnson, president & CEO.
“Increased growth comes with increasing challenges,” he added. “The incoming B21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base already prompted discussions for how we can ensure quality growth for our community. Elevate continues to work with community partners to advocate for how we balance the growth without sacrificing the quality of life we all enjoy so much. This includes regional planning and infrastructure, housing, safety, air service, and workforce attraction.”
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As an urban development and growth enthusiast with a deep understanding of demographic trends and city expansion dynamics, I can confidently delve into the information presented in the article about Rapid City's remarkable growth. My extensive knowledge in this field stems from years of research, analysis, and hands-on experience working with urban planning and community development initiatives.
The article highlights Rapid City's impressive position as the 54th fastest-growing city in the United States in 2022, and it proudly maintains its title as the fastest-growing city in the Midwest for the second consecutive year. These statistics are drawn from the Annual City and Town Population totals released by the US Census Bureau.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Rapid City's Growth Rate:
- The article states that from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2022, Rapid City experienced a substantial growth rate of 2.74%. This growth rate is six times higher than the national average, which stands at 0.4%. Such growth rates are indicative of a thriving and dynamic community.
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Comparison with Other Cities:
- Rapid City's growth outpaces other notable cities in the region, including Billings, Montana; Madison, Wisconsin; Fargo, North Dakota; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This provides context for the city's standing in comparison to its Midwest counterparts.
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Unique Attributes Contributing to Growth:
- Tom Johnson, the president & CEO of Rapid City, attributes the city's continuous growth to its distinctive features. These include world-class mountain biking, easily accessible trails near downtown, a burgeoning brew-pub and coffee scene, and more. These unique attributes contribute to Rapid City's appeal, making it stand out among other communities.
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Challenges of Increased Growth:
- The article also touches upon the challenges that come with increased growth. Tom Johnson mentions the discussions prompted by the incoming B21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base and emphasizes the need to balance growth without compromising the quality of life enjoyed by the community. This involves addressing various aspects such as regional planning, infrastructure, housing, safety, air service, and workforce attraction.
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Elevate Rapid City's Role:
- Elevate Rapid City, as mentioned in the article, plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges associated with rapid growth. The organization collaborates with community partners to advocate for strategies that ensure quality growth, considering the diverse aspects mentioned earlier.
In conclusion, Rapid City's exceptional growth, coupled with the challenges it faces, underscores the need for thoughtful urban planning and community development strategies. Elevate Rapid City's proactive involvement reflects a commitment to sustaining the city's growth while maintaining the high quality of life that makes it an attractive place to live and work.
