Winner: Phoenix
The population in Phoenix surged during the housing bubble, when the city attracted a growing number of retirees looking for a warm climate and affordable homes. Between 2004 and 2006, the number of residents spiked more than 4% annually.
Though that kind of growth ceased when the real estate market plunged, Phoenix has been able to maintain growth of about 2% thanks to a continued influx of immigrants.
Rewards:
* Will likely receive additional federal funding above the $4.6 billion it got in 2008.
* Arizona could gain a ninth seat in Congress.
NEXT: Loser: New Orleans
