The latest estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Alpharetta had the sixth-fastest rate of growth about 4.37 percent among cities of at least 50,000 people during the one-year period starting July 1, 2011. By comparison, the state of Georgia grew at a rate of just over 1 percent during that time.
Cities in Texas, Utah and Tennessee grew at slightly faster rates, according to the estimate.
Analysts cautioned against reading too much into year-over-year population estimates, though officials in Alpharetta were pleased by the results.
``I am grateful, but not shocked, that we are the 6th-fastest growing city in the country,'' Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said in a statement. He said the city has worked to invigorate its downtown and attract technology companies to the area.
Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of Georgia's Department of Economic Development, said it is difficult to determine conclusively what factors drive the rate of growth. He said the region has attracted employers in recent years.
``You've got some incredible schools, some great values in homes, you've got a great environment to raise your family and you've got some activity downtown when you need it,'' he said
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