IN SIX SHORT years, the city of Las Vegas has grown 15.1 percent to rank as the 28th largest city in the United States. In 2000, the city of Las Vegas was ranked 33rd.

Based on the 2006 U.S. Census data on cities released this week, Las Vegas has surpassed Nashville-Davidson, Tenn., Oklahoma City, Okla., Portland, Ore., and Tucson, Ariz. in population since 2000. Since 2003, Las Vegas climbed two places in ranking to 28th from 30th.

Among cities with a population of 500,000 or more, Las Vegas had the second highest rate of growth following Fort Worth, Tex. in the period from 2000 to 2006.

"It is exciting to see Las Vegas climb the ranks of big cities," said Margo Wheeler, AICP, director of the Planning & Development Department. "To do so responsibly; encouraging managed growth in a sustainable environment speaks well for the city leadership."