How to Research Growing Cities for Investment

A Step-by-Step Guide to City Research

Whether you're considering a move, an investment, or just curious about growth trends, here's how to research cities like a data analyst.

Step 1: Start with BoomTown Scores

Use our free BoomTown Score lookup tool to get a quick composite view of any city's growth signals. Scores above 70 indicate rapid growth, while 55-69 suggests steady, sustainable growth.

Step 2: Dig Into the Four Signals

Each city page breaks down the composite score into its four components. A city might have a moderate overall score but an explosive permit signal - that's a leading indicator worth investigating further.

Step 3: Compare Similar Cities

Use our rankings pages to find cities with similar profiles. Our comparison tool lets you put two cities side-by-side to see where they differ.

Step 4: Check the Trend

A single quarter's data point isn't enough. Look at 2-3 year trends to distinguish sustainable growth from temporary spikes. Our historical data helps you see the full picture.

Step 5: Go Local

BoomTown Scores identify where to look. Local research - visiting the area, talking to agents, understanding the job market firsthand - confirms whether the data matches reality on the ground.