The population of a small town increases by 5% annually. If the current population is 20,000, what will it be in 3 years?

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:16:25 +0000

**Why Every American Small Town’s Growth Starts with 5% Per Year — and What That Means for the Future** Why is it that some small towns across America are growing steadily by 5% each year while others stagnate or shrink? What makes a community tick forward in a rapidly evolving economic and cultural landscape? For towns with populations climbing 5% annually, even a modest 20,000 residents today can see meaningful change within just three years. This growth isn’t just a statistic—it reflects deeper patterns of urban migration, economic revitalization, and digital connectivity shaping U.S. communities. Today’s interest in small town population gains stems from rising curiosity about under-the-radar economic resilience and quality-of-life shifts. As remote work expands and urban centers grow more expensive, many individuals and early-career professionals are reconsidering where they live. Small towns that grow by 5% annually often combine affordability, natural amenities, and mission-driven revitalization—offering appealing alternatives to crowded metropolitan areas. **How the 5% Growth Actually Works**