Lathrop Rises as One of America's Fastest-Growing Suburbs

A new study by the financial technology platform MoneyLion has identified Lathrop, a city in California's Central Valley, as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the nation, ranking No. 15 on its list.

The study analyzed population data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey between 2019 and 2024, focusing on areas with at least 5,000 households that were not named cities in their metropolitan areas.

Only locations with a population growth of at least 20% during that period were considered.

According to the report, Lathrop experienced a 56.9% increase in population, growing from 22,341 residents in 2019 to 35,052 in 2024. The median household income in Lathrop is $126,421, while the average home value stands at $646,407.

The total annual cost of living in the city is $71,502. These factors, combined with its proximity to the Bay Area and relatively affordable housing, have made Lathrop an attractive destination for new residents.

State data from the California Department of Finance further underscores Lathrop's rapid growth. City officials noted in May that Lathrop is the second fastest-growing city in California, with a population increase from 38,791 in 2025 to 40,942 in 2026—a rise of 5.5%.

The city also saw a 7% increase in housing units during the same period. Lathrop Mayor Paul Akinjo attributed the growth to the community's strength and the opportunities families see in the city.

"People are choosing Lathrop because they see opportunity here," Akinjo said. "As we grow, our responsibility is to keep planning thoughtfully, investing in infrastructure, and protecting the quality of life that makes Lathrop such a special place to call home."

Historically, Lathrop began as a railroad town known as Wilson's Station, founded by Leland Stanford in the 1870s. After a period of decline that lasted nearly half a century, the city saw a resurgence during World War II with the arrival of industrial employers like Permanente Metals and the Sharpe Army Depot.

Lathrop was incorporated as a city in 1989 and has since expanded, attracting residents with its growing economy and housing options.

The MoneyLion list was dominated by Texas, which claimed 15 spots, including the top five suburbs. Fulshear, Texas, led the nation with population growth exceeding 100%.

Lathrop was the only California city to make the list, highlighting the state's broader trends in suburban expansion and housing demand.