The Town of Johnstown is now officially one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, according to newly released population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau highlighted in a recent report by BizWest.
The report shows that from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, Johnstown recorded an annual population growth rate of 8.4%, placing the town at #10 nationwide among incorporated communities with populations of 20,000 or more residents.
During that one-year period, Johnstown’s population increased from 20,697 residents to an estimated 22,433 — an increase of 1,736 people.
The ranking also made Johnstown the fastest-growing Colorado community in its population category.
Growth Years in the Making
While Johnstown’s rapid expansion has become increasingly visible in recent years, the foundation for that growth has been developing for decades.
The BizWest report notes that a major turning point came in 2000 with the annexation of land near Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34, paving the way for major commercial development in what is now the 2534 corridor and Johnstown Plaza area.
Since then, the corridor has seen continued expansion, including the arrival of Scheels in 2017 and the opening of Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s travel center in Johnstown in 2024.
The area surrounding the Highway 60 interchange continues to expand as part of the larger Ledge Rock Center development, which now includes retailers such as Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply and Woods Supermarket.
Additional commercial and industrial projects continue to move forward across the community, particularly along the I-25 corridor. Recent reports have also highlighted continued industrial investment and business growth within Johnstown’s expanding commercial districts.
Town Officials Point to Residential and Commercial Balance
According to BizWest, Johnstown Town Manager Matt LeCerf said the town’s growth reflects both residential and commercial momentum.
“We’re seeing a good blend and balance of residential growth and commercial growth,” LeCerf told BizWest. “As the residential comes, that commercial is helping to offset those needs for the community.”
That balance has become a major topic of discussion within the community as new subdivisions, retail centers, warehouses, restaurants, and entertainment developments continue to be proposed or constructed.
Supporters of the growth often point to increased shopping options, expanded tax revenue, job creation, and broader economic opportunities for residents.
Others have raised concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, school capacity, water resources, and preserving the small-town character that longtime residents associate with Johnstown.
A National Trend Toward Mid-Sized Communities
The Census Bureau report also noted that many large metropolitan areas saw slowing population growth between 2024 and 2025, while mid-sized communities experienced stronger gains.
Among Colorado communities, only Erie and Windsor also ranked within the national Top 100 for annual percentage growth.
Erie ranked #37 nationally with 5.8% growth, while Windsor ranked #60 with 4.7% growth.
The continued expansion across Northern Colorado reflects a broader regional trend as communities along the I-25 corridor continue to attract new residents, businesses, and large-scale development projects.
For Johnstown, the latest Census estimates further confirm what many residents have already witnessed firsthand — the town is no longer simply a small rural community between Loveland and Greeley, but a rapidly growing regional hub that is increasingly drawing national attention.
Source:
BizWest – From Buc-ee’s to boomtown: Johnstown’s growth goes national
