Two major metros in the Gulf Coast region were among the 10 fastest growing in the U.S. by percentage in 2024, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Panama City grew its population 3.8% in 2024, tying for second place with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, according to population estimates recorded by the Census.

As a well-known beach town that's already filling up with spring breakers this year, Panama City Beach now has more than 226,000 full-time residents, up about 5,000 people from 2023.

The Panama City metro area has been steadily growing since 2020, with new luxury housing developments, resorts and entertainment developments like Topgolf under construction around town.

The south Alabama metro area that includes Daphne, Fairhope and Foley grew in population by 3% in 2024, ranking No. 6 on the top 10 list.

This area, on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, has also consistently grown since the pandemic in 2020. Fairhope boasts waterfront views, local charm and lots of restaurants and boutiques in its downtown.

Foley, home of the first Buc-ee's on the Gulf Coast, has boomed in popularity, too, as snowbirds and others began building or buying homes in Baldwin County in the past few years.

The area is on the way to popular beaches for Louisiana residents, and it's home to the OWA amusement park and Tropic Falls, a massive, part-indoor water park.

Baldwin County was also the second fastest-growing county in Alabama in 2024, according to AL.com.