Forbes/Moodys study has projected St. George as the 7th fastest growing economy for a small metropolitan area 2007-2012. January 30, 2008.

A Forbes/Moodys study has itemized America's Fastest Growing Metros and projects St. George as the 7th fastest growing small metropolitan area economy.

Projected total GMP growth, 2007-2012: 23.82%

Construction has been the driving force behind the growth in St. George, about 120 miles from Las Vegas. A St. George Chamber of Commerce official says the housing slowdown will undoubtedly affect growth in the area. But St. George is also increasingly becoming a low-cost manufacturing area to service Southern California and other parts of Utah. A new airport to be completed within the next four years should also keep locally headquartered SkyWest Airlines happy.

View "In Pictures: America's Fastest-Growing Large And Small Metros - St. George, Utah", or read the full story on Forbes.com.