Fast-growing Seattle nation’s 21st largest city

SEATTLE (AP) - The Census Bureau estimates that Seattle grew at a faster rate than any other major American city in the past year.

Seattle added nearly 18,000 residents in 2013, or a 2.8 percent increase. It’s the largest jump among the 50 most populous cities in the U.S.

The new population estimate released Thursday ranks Seattle as the nation’s 21st biggest city. With about 652,000 people, the city has fewer residents than Memphis but more than Denver.

Washington’s population grew by 76,000 and is estimated at 6.97 million.

Ridgefield in Clark County grew at a faster rate than any other city in Washington, with an increase of 7 percent. Other cities with big jumps include Yelm in Thurston County; DuPont in Pierce County and Liberty Lake in Spokane County.