This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

New U.S. census estimates show booming growth in many Utah communities.

For example, three areas added more than 2,000 residents each between 2012 and 2013: South Jordan (swelled by 2,705 people); Lehi (up by 2,424) and Kearns (2,255).

Nine others added more than 1,000 residents each in the year: West Jordan (up 1,924), Salt Lake City (1,638), Saratoga Springs (1,572), Sandy (1,493), West Valley City (1,304), Herriman (1,274), St. George (1,136), Farmington (1,047) and Layton (1,037).

In addition, Saratoga Springs, Washington City and Farmington saw their official populations in 2013 exceed 20,000 people for the first time — moving them into what the census considers medium-sized cities.

The census says Utah now has 40 areas with populations greater than 20,000 — including 37 cities plus the unincorporated areas of Millcreek, Kearns and Magna.

The new figures come from the American Community Survey three-year estimates.

That database compiles survey responses over three years — annually rotating out the oldest data — to compile enough findings for statistically reliable estimates for smaller areas.

The new data also show that a few areas jumped up a bit in the rankings of Utah's largest areas.

Kearns moved up to No. 21 from No. 23. Its population is 35,601. It passed Pleasant Grove (population 34,541) and Cottonwood Heights (population 33,983).

Springville moved up one slot to No. 25 with a population of 30,713. It passed Clearfield (population 30,419).

Midvale moved to No. 27 with a population of 29,886. It moved up one slot by passing Cedar City (population 29,169).

According to this set of data, Utah's largest cities are: 1. Salt Lake City, population 189,601; 2. West Valley City, 132,285; 3. Provo, 115,427; 4. West Jordan, 108,311; 5. Orem, 90,642; 6. Sandy, 89,457; 7. Ogden, 83,830; 8. St. George, 75,361; 9. Layton, 69,202; and (unincorporated) Millcreek, 62,441.

A list of the estimated populations and growth of all Utah areas with populations greater than 20,000 is available online at sltrib.com. —

Utah's largest cities

1. Salt Lake City, population 189,601

2. West Valley City, 132,285

3. Provo, 115,427

4. West Jordan, 108,311

5. Orem, 90,642

6. Sandy, 89,457

7. Ogden, 83,830

8. St. George, 75,361

9. Layton, 69,202

10. Millcreek (unincorporated), 62,441 —

Crossing the 20,000 population threshold

• Saratoga Springs at 20,986, up from 19,414 in the 2010-2012 averages

• Washington City at 20,898, up from 19,922

• Farmington at 20,551, up from 19,504