A once-quiet railroad town west of Houston has been officially named the fastest-growing city in the United States, after its population ballooned more than elevenfold in under ten years.
From Sleepy Hamlet to Property Hotspot
According to a new study by StorageCafe, Fulshear in Fort Bend County has taken the top spot. Its transformation is staggering: from a mere 2,300 residents in 2014 to nearly 27,000 by 2023—a 1,082 percent increase. Recent US Census Bureau estimates suggest the number has since leapt again to over 42,600 people.
Long considered a rural stretch of countryside, Fulshear is now one of Texas's most in-demand locations. The surge is fuelled largely by families leaving Houston proper in search of more space, newer homes, and access to highly-rated school districts.
"Think top-rated schools, think gorgeous neighbourhoods and small-town charm, something out of a movie," said local realtor Daniel DiPetta. "Builders are racing to keep up with demand."
Master-Planned Communities Driving Demand
Located just 30 miles from downtown Houston, Fulshear offers a potent mix of open green space and sprawling, amenity-rich communities while remaining a commutable distance from a major job market.
The town's rise is credited to its modern master-planned developments, which have reshaped its rural character. Key neighbourhoods include:
- Cross Creek Ranch: A 3,200-acre community with over 20 miles of trails, pools, a dog park, and homes from $250,000 to over $1 million, zoned to the top-rated Katy Independent School District.
- Fulbrook: Caters to buyers seeking larger estate-style homes on oversized lots, with prices ranging from $500,000 to over $2 million.
- Jordan Ranch: A family-focused development with a clubhouse, lazy river, and parks, where homes start around $220,000.
Other gated communities are built around championship golf courses, appealing to retirees and higher-end buyers.
Beyond Housing: Charm and Convenience
Fulshear's appeal extends beyond its new homes. It boasts a low crime rate, an easy way of life, and a convenient, charming downtown area with boutiques, a celebrated BBQ joint (Dozier’s), and wine bars tucked among historic landmarks.
The town's history is preserved at the Viola Heritage House Museum, tracing its evolution from a farming and railroad stop. Furthermore, Fulshear Central, a new mixed-use development, is under construction, promising retail, dining, and 16 acres of parks.
The suburb's explosive growth has been widely recognised. It ranked second in a 2023 StorageCafe study and recently topped GoBankingRates’ list of the fastest-growing affluent suburbs in America for 2025.
The Houston area's broader population boom has supercharged Fulshear's housing market, with home values rising 60 percent over the last decade. The average home now costs $527,109. Analysts note that shifting job markets, the rise of remote work, and soaring living costs are fundamentally reshaping where Americans choose to put down roots.
