HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Huntsville is growing faster than Alabama’s three other major cities.

New Census estimates released Thursday show Huntsville’s population has jumped to an estimated 176,645 people. That’s a growth of more than 18,000 residents since 2000.

Birmingham and Mobile both lost population, while Montgomery had modest growth.

An economist at Auburn University Montgomery, Kevin Deravi, said it’s no surprise Huntsville is gaining residents faster than other cities. He cites jobs linked to the city’s technology base, which includes NASA and the Army’s Redstone Arsenal.

Deravi said Huntsville will continue to grow since people are moving to the city because of the Pentagon’s decision to relocate thousands to the area.

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