ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - New U.S. Census estimates show that the retirement mecca of The Villages was the fourth fastest-growing community in the United States during the past two years and the fastest-growing one in Florida.
According to Census estimates made public Thursday, The Villages, located northwest of Orlando, has grown by almost 8 percent since 2010 and had more than 101,600 residents.
The only areas in the United States that grew faster during the past two years were Williston and Dickson in North Dakota and Andrews, Texas. All are energy hubs that drew energy workers.
The Villages' growth was driven by retirees.
Eight Florida counties - four in central Florida and four in the Panhandle - also were among the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties.
