Heber City Named 5th Fastest-Growing Small Town in America

Forbes Magazine ranked Heber City No. 5 on its list of America’s fastest-growing small towns. Heber’s population rose 14.6 percent to 23,530 between 2007 and 2010, and residents have a median income of $65,204.

Heber City was the only Western U.S. location listed in the top five and the only Utah municipality in the top 10. Heber’s unemployment rate is well below the national average at 6.6 percent in November 2011.

“Being recognized by Forbes speaks volumes about our community,” said Ryan Starks, Wasatch County director of tourism and economic development. “More families and businesses are choosing to relocate to Heber Valley due to its beautiful surroundings, enviable quality of life, and business-friendly environment.”

Only forty minutes from Salt Lake and 20 minutes from Utah County the Heber Valley is known for its beautiful scenery and many outdoor activities in all seasons of the year. According to Forbes, the area “is a magnet for skiers and fly fishers.”

Forbes also cited that retirees contributed to the rapid growth.

The list was determined by using census data to calculate the population growth between 2007 and 2010 for every Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with fewer than 100,000 people.
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