The Rocket City drew 11 people per day into its orbit in 2024, continuing to widen the population gap with Alabama’s other big cities.

New population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau showed Alabama’s largest city by population added more residents last year than anywhere else in the state.

It’s no accident, Mayor Tommy Battle said, but rather an outcome of fiscally responsible planning and smart investment.

“People are drawn here by a strong job market, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and countless opportunities to thrive,” he said. “As we grow, we remain focused on ensuring Huntsville remains a smart place to live, work and raise a family.”

The Rocket City grew by nearly 4,200 people, the most in a year since 2020, according to an AL.com analysis. Having added 15,000 residents since the decade began, Huntsville’s population is estimated to be north of 230,000.

As Huntsville continued to rise, Alabama’s other big cities continued to lose population. Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery all lost population last year, the new data shows. Each city is down thousands of residents since 2020.

North Alabama has seen steady growth in incomes and in home values. Millions of dollars of investment in the space, defense and manufacturing sectors along with a burgeoning Redstone Arsenal have brought new jobs to the region as well.

Lucia Cape, senior vice president of economic development and workforce for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, attributed part of the increase to north Alabama’s economic growth — and concerted work to attract talent to fill those new jobs.

The Chamber’s efforts, “include social media campaigns through ASmartPlace.com and national media accolades around quality of life and affordability,” she said. “As we attract more jobs and investment, we are also catching the attention of people across the country who are looking for better opportunities.”