The U.S. Census Bureau announced May 20 the city of San Marcos has been named the fastest-growing city in the nation for the third consecutive year. The city’s growth rate between 2013 and 2014 was 7.9 percent, bringing the city’s total population in 2014 to 58,892.

The census rankings measure population growth in cities with more than 50,000 residents. In a news release by the Greater San Marcos Partnership announcing the ranking, San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero said he was proud of the “diverse stakeholders" who had made the growth possible. “San Marcos is the center of gravity for the Austin-San Antonio corridor,” Guerrero said. “In order to sustain this growth with respect to our natural environment and citizens, we must continue to invest in our water resources, infrastructure and all areas that touch our community.” Adriana Cruz, president of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, which is responsible for economic development in Hays and Caldwell counties, applauded the city and Hays County for helping to foster the growth. “This continues to be an exciting time for the city of San Marcos,” Cruz said in the release. “Our geographic location, natural beauty, the presence of Texas State University coupled with an affordable quality of life makes the city of San Marcos an attractive place for people to relocate. The corridor between Austin and San Antonio is the most dynamic in the country and continues to exceed expectations.” Other Texas communities on the list of fastest-growing cities include Conroe, Frisco, Georgetown, McKinney and New Braunfels.