diff --git a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/automation/unit/UnitAutomation.kt b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/automation/unit/UnitAutomation.kt
index e0639988a2..1ba8ba5fb7 100644
--- a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/automation/unit/UnitAutomation.kt
+++ b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/automation/unit/UnitAutomation.kt
@@ -469,7 +469,9 @@ object UnitAutomation {
         // this can be sped up if we check each layer separately
         val unitDistanceToTiles = unit.movement.getDistanceToTilesAtPosition(
                 unit.getTile().position,
-                unit.getMaxMovement() * CLOSE_ENEMY_TURNS_AWAY_LIMIT
+                unit.getMaxMovement() * CLOSE_ENEMY_TURNS_AWAY_LIMIT,
+                // Consider ZoC is expensive - we just want to find the closest, not the exact movement we'll need to get there
+                false,
         )
         var closeEnemies = TargetHelper.getAttackableEnemies(
             unit,
diff --git a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/city/managers/CityPopulationManager.kt b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/city/managers/CityPopulationManager.kt
index dd754b3e30..9804b60bff 100644
--- a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/city/managers/CityPopulationManager.kt
+++ b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/city/managers/CityPopulationManager.kt
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ class CityPopulationManager : IsPartOfGameInfoSerialization {
 
     /** Only assigns free population */
     internal fun autoAssignPopulation() {
-        city.cityStats.update()  // calculate current stats with current assignments
+        city.cityStats.update(updateCivStats = false)  // calculate current stats with current assignments
         val freePopulation = getFreePopulation()
         if (freePopulation <= 0) return