Recent estimates of Hutto's population put the city at 20,582 residents, according to the city's development service department.

Hutto saw a surge of more than 13,000 residents between 2000 and 2010, rising to 14,698 from 1,250 during that time. The city saw another growth spurt in 2012, issuing 53 single-family use permits in February alone.

"The population growth has generally been steadily increasing, but residential permits have picked up lately, which reflects a bit of a surge in the population count," Hutto Planning Director Will Guerin said. "I believe builders are feeling more comfortable within the housing market with improvement in the economy. We're seeing more commercial interest as well. We see the increase in rooftops as a positive thing, as the commercial development is sure to follow."

Hutto's recent developments include the East Williamson County Education Center, which is set to open in the fall, and the Hutto Family YMCA, which broke ground March 8 and which officials hope to open Jan. 1, 2014.

Hutto officials said the city continues to monitor development services to continue managing growth.