Norcross, Braselton, Grayson leaders in Gwinnett growth

Cities’ populations increase by leaps since 2010 report.

New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate Norcross, Braselton and Grayson experienced the most population growth among Gwinnett cities between 2010 and 2019.

During that time, Norcross’ population increased by 82%, adding 7,476 residents, according to census data released Thursday. Braselton’s population increased by 73%, adding 5,450 people, and Grayson grew by 67%, with 1,786 new residents.

Each of Gwinnett’s 14 cities saw population increases between 2010 and 2019. Other cities with significant growth include Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Dacula, all of which saw a population increase of a third or more.

Between 2018 and 2019, the cities with the highest growth rates were Braselton and Grayson. Both grew about 12%; Grayson added 52 residents, Braselton 1,356.

Braselton also had the highest number of new residents in that time. Lawrenceville was second, with 1,149 new residents and a growth rate of 3.9%. Braselton and Grayson were the only cities to grow more than 4% between 2018 and 2019.

Peachtree Corners remains Gwinnett’s most populous city, with 43,905 residents. Lawrenceville is second with 30,834 and Duluth is third with 29,609. Despite experiencing the most growth, Grayson is still the smallest city in Gwinnett County, with 4,452 residents. Braselton sits in the middle at 12,961.

The most recent census data shows Gwinnett’s population overall has grown 16% since 2010, with an estimated total of 936,250 people and an increase of 130,964. The county grew at a rate of 0.96% between 2018 and 2019, a difference of 8,913 residents. Eight cities outpaced the county growth rate from 2010 to 2019, and nine did so between 2018 and 2019.

The new city population estimates only include people who live within the boundaries of incorporated cities. About 72% of Gwinnett’s population lives in unincorporated parts of the county, not inside any city limits.

For example, someone living in unincorporated Duluth may have a Duluth address, but they are not included in Duluth’s city population count.