Elk Grove, California grew 12 percent between July 2004 and 2005, making it the fastest-growing city in the nation among cities with a population over 100,000 for the year. The city – with a July 2005 population of 112,338 – is located just south of Sacramento.

Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a relatively young city, but it has planned for its growth.

City Manager John Danielson that the city “has implemented a progressive growth management strategy that ensures that new development can be accommodated and will only occur as new infrastructure – roads, sewer, schools, and parks – are built.”

He also points to “an entrepreneurial service delivery model” that depends on public-private partnerships to meet demands for public services.

Three other California cities – Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, and Irvine – were also among the top ten fastest growing cities for the period.

On a numeric basis, Phoenix, Arizona had the highest number of new residents, followed by San Antonio and Fort Worth, Texas.