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Every year, the United States Census Bureau publishes data for population shifts between incorporated cities with more than 100,000 people. For cities within California, the top 15 are ranked below based on the percentage increase in population from July 2005 to July 2006.

1. Lancaster . Located about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, Lancaster achieved the largest percent growth from 2005 (population = 134,106) to 2006 (140,804), resulting in a 4.99% change.

2. Bakersfield . Located between Los Angeles and Fresno, Bakersfield had a 2005 population of 295,769 and a 2006 population 308,392. This is a 4.26% increase from 2005 to 2006.

3. Visalia . Located just south of Fresno, Visalia had a 2005 population of 109,433 and a 2006 population of 113,487. This is a 3.70% increase from 2005 to 2006.

4. Irvine . Located in the heart of Southern California, Irvine had a 2005 population of 187,457 and a 2006 population of 193,956. This is a 3.46% increase from 2005 to 2006.

5. Fontana . Located in the heart of San Bernardino County, Fontana had a 2005 population of 164,468 and a 2006 population of 170,099. This is a 3.42% increase from 2005 to 2006.

6. Elk Grove . Located just south of Sacramento, Elk Grove had a 2005 population of 125,293 and a 2006 population of 129,184. This is a 3.10% increase from 2005 to 2006.

7. Palmdale . Located just north of Los Angeles, Palmdale had a 2005 population of 134,650 and a 2006 population of 138,790. This is 3.07% increase from 2005 to 2006.

8. Moreno Valley . Located in Riverside County, Moreno Valley had a 2005 population of 178,272 and a 2006 population of 183,571. This is a 2.97% increase from 2005 to 2006.

9. Santa Clara . Located south of Silicone Valley, Santa Clara had a 2005 population of 105,778 and a 2006 population of 108,518. This is a 2.59% increase from 2005 to 2006.

10. Simi Valley . Located north west of Los Angeles, Simi Valley had a 2005 population of 118,671 and a 2006 population of 121,288. This is a 2.20% increase from 2005 to 2006.

11. San Jose . Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose had a 2005 population of 915,668 and a 2006 population of 929,936. This is a 1.55% increase from 2005 to 2006.

12. Riverside . Located in Southern California, Riverside had a 2005 population of 290,417 and a 2006 population of 293,761. This is a 1.15% increase from 2005 to 2006.

13. Roseville . Located just north of Sacramento, Roseville had a 2005 population of 105,946 and a 2006 population of 107,158. This is a 1.14% increase from 2005 to 2006.

14. Fresno . Located between Bakersfield and Stockton, Fresno had a 2005 population of 461,454 and a 2006 population of 466,714. This is a 1.14% increase from 2005 to 2006.

15. Stockton . Located south of Sacramento, Stockton had a 2005 population of 287,069 and a 2006 population of 290,141. This is a 1.07% increase from 2005 to 2006.

Increases in population have many implications for society. For a complete ranking of population changes, visit the United States Census Bureau's site.