An analysis of American's fastest growing counties reveals that people are moving out of the cities to suburbs that have a low cost of living, cheaper land and a higher quality of life. This significant trend was revealed in the study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau based on the statistics of population movement from 2000 to 2006. It is worth citing that this suburban boom concurs with the period's historically low interest rates, boom in housing, and rising home prices especially in metro areas.

With cities becoming more and more overcrowded and unaffordable, people are moving to affordable suburb areas that are more favorable, many of which are in the Sun Belt - the South and Southwest. These areas are now witness to this moving population that is drawn by its positive features such as inexpensive living, cheaper land, friendly business atmosphere and a better lifestyle. Let's take a look at the list of counties where the suburban boom is most intense in terms of population from 2000 to 2006.

The following is the top ten fastest growing suburbs in the U.S. based on population from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006.

1.Flagler County, Florida: Flagler County, Florida, leads the list with the percent of population increase at 66.7. Located on the Atlantic coast this city offers a beautiful seaside locale, access to I-95, balmy weather and a relatively affordable lifestyle. The county population has boomed from 50,000 in 2000 to more than 83,000 in 2006.

2.Kendall County, Illinois: Although far removed from big city Chicago, Kendall County was the second fastest growing suburbs in America with a 61.7 % population growth from 2000 to 2006 - a growth rate that even exceeds that of the Chicago suburbs located along I-88 and much closer to the city.

3.Rockwall County, Texas: Rockwall grew by 60.5 % from 43,000 in 2000 to 69,000 in 2006. The smallest county in Texas, spanning a mere 147 sq miles, Rockwall is growing fast largely due to the population spillover from nearby Dallas-Ft. Worth. Its lakeside location and excellent public school system are great attractions for settlers.

4.Loudoun County, Virginia: Loudoun experienced a growth of 58.5 % in population ? an increase that was partially triggered by the exponential surge in cost of living in nearby Washington, D.C. The rolling countryside, affluent and well educated locals, and excellent business environment makes Loudoun a pleasant place to relocate to.

5.Forsyth County, Georgia: Six of suburbs of Georgia, all located near Atlanta, feature in the nation's top 25 list, with Forsyth leading them with a 53.4 % surge in population. The growth was from 98,000 in 2000 to 151,000 in 2006. Located just north of Atlanta, Forsyth is favorably placed near recreational areas amidst mountains and lakes.

6.Pinal County, Arizona: Pinal County has grown along with the incredible growth of Phoenix over recent years. The county's population has increased by 51.0 % over the last 6 years.

7.Douglas County, Colorado: Douglas County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. in the 1990s. Although its growth has lagged in recent times, the county data registered an increase of 50.0 %. Located between Denver and Colorado Springs, its picturesque surroundings and easy accessibility to large metros make it one of the most appealing counties to settle down.

8.Henry County, Georgia: Another suburb in Georgia that grew by 49.2 % by adding almost 59,000 people to the population. One of the many small counties in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area, Henry County is fast growing into a desirable suburb.

9.Paulding County, Georgia: Another fast growing popular suburb in the metropolitan Atlanta area, Paulding County has experienced a population growth of 48.9 % from the beginning of this decade.

10.Lyon County, Nevada: Lyon County saw a 48.5 % boost in population which grew from 35,000 to 51,000, along with the growth of the nearby Reno and Carson City. Lyon County enjoys a new industrial park and other job centers; and another positive aspect is that there is no income tax.

Source: Forbes, Brian Wingfield (03/22/07)