San Marcos named fastest growing city in the U.S. for the third time

The U.S. Census Bureau has named San Marcos the fastest growing city in the country for the third year in a row.

Its population has climbed 7.9 percent between 2013 and 2014 to reach around 58,900 people.

After Thursday's census announcement, the subject was discussed at the 10th annual Greater San Marcos Economic Outlook at the convention center there.

Representatives for the city say affordability, a great university and the beauty of the city is what draws people there.

Economist Ray Perryman was the honored guest. He says San Marcos is part of the Austin growth complex.

"People in general, you're seeing growth in the suburban areas around the central cities. San Marcos has also developed its own industrial base of good technology oriented clean industries," he said.

By the way, the census has ranked Georgetown as the second fastest growing city in the nation.