The Huntsville juggernaut keeps rolling.
The Rocket City continues to see a surge in population growth and is on track to become the state's largest city perhaps in as soon as five years.
U.S. Census population estimates, released Thursday, stated that Huntsville added by far the most people to its population of any city in the state from 2016 to 2017.
Meanwhile, the Huntsville suburb of Madison remains the state's 10th-largest city and added the fourth-most people, according to the census estimates.
The numbers indicate that the growth seen over the past decade in the Huntsville metro area - the second-largest in the state to Birmingham - is showing no signs of weakening.
But while Huntsville barrels toward becoming the state's largest city, Mayor Tommy Battle said the population number doesn't matter as much as the quality of life.
"We're proud of Huntsville's success, but for us it's more about quality than quantity," Battle said in a statement to AL.com. "Yes, we've generated more than 62 percent of the jobs in the state in the past decade, and yes, that brings in more people, but more importantly for us the jobs we've brought in are the ones that attract the best and the brightest. That's what matters - making your citizens quality of life better - not bigger. We're a smart city, we're a Google city, we're an aerospace city. I would rather talk about that than size."
Claire Aiello, marketing and communications director for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, echoed some of those same attributes.
"People are learning about Huntsville's secret, and that's a big reason for our continued growth," she said in a statement. "Our city is a smart place to live, work and play. We offer a great quality of life, a highly educated workforce and good paying jobs to match.
"There are many reasons people move here and choose to stay. These include strong public education, affordable housing, and a vibrant arts, culture and entertainment scene. Don't forget our many local craft breweries!"
According to the census population estimates, Huntsville added 2,629 people from 2016 to 2017. The second-place city was Tuscaloosa, which added 1,520.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Battle and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox are running for governor this year. Tuscaloosa also passed the 100,000 threshold in population with 100,287 people now calling the city home.
While Huntsville had the biggest growth in raw numbers, it was well down the list because of its overall population of now 194,484 when it came to the percentage increase in population - growing at a rate of 1.37 percent from 2016 to 2017.
Since 2010 when the last definitive census was taken, Huntsville has grown by 8.04 percent and added more than 14,000 people.
Meanwhile, Madison has grown at an even more dizzying rate since 2010 - seeing its population grow by 14 percent to 48,861 in the 2017 estimate. From 2016 to 2017, Madison added 1,072 people.
"Madison is growing in numbers for many reasons; our school system is exceptional, and our location is ideal for employees at Research Park and Redstone Arsenal," Mayor Paul Finley said in a statement. "NICHE ranked Madison as the No. 1 Best Places to Live in Alabama, and I have to agree. Fast-paced growth is an exciting challenge to have, and as mayor and council we want to make plans to grow wisely."
Part of those plans include studying growth in the Madison City school system, which has revealed that the system needs a new elementary and middle school and an expansion plan for both of the city's high schools or a new high school altogether.
The Huntsville metro area, including Madison, is bracing for what could potentially be dramatic growth in coming years as the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant in west Huntsville begins production in 2021. The plant is expected to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
"This is very timely as we look towards the 2020 Census," Mary Beth Broeren, AICP, Madison Director of Development Services, said in a statement. "Already, we are organizing a Complete Count Committee to get an accurate picture of residents within Madison. The city recognizes that as the population grows, economic development and city infrastructure must keep up as well."