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Top 300 Largest Cities in the United States by Population 2023

After a decade of steady population gains, COVID-19 brought a halt to the growth of many of America’s largest coastal cities. The pandemic’s impact on workplace flexibility and homebuyer preferences for spacious houses accelerated moving trends that were already beginning to take shape: moving to the ‘burbs and moving to the Sun Belt. So, what did these population shifts look like and what do they mean for the future of the U.S. housing market? Read on to find out.

Top 10 Largest U.S. Metro Areas by Population in 2023

  1. New York, New York – 18,937,000
  2. Los Angeles, California – 12,534,000
  3. Chicago, Illinois – 8,937,000
  4. Houston, Texas – 6,707,000
  5. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas – 6,574,000
  6. Miami, Florida – 6,265,000
  7. Atlanta, Georgia – 6,106,000
  8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 5,785,000
  9. Washington, D.C. – 5,490,000
  10. Phoenix, Arizona – 4,717,000

Cities were only getting larger

Before COVID-19, large U.S. cities were only getting larger. In fact, all the top 25 big cities in America showed an increase in population growth from 2010 to 2020. Census data revealed that large cities in the South grew at a faster pace than in any other region of the country.

Among the top 15 fastest-growing large U.S. cities, 10 were located in the South and five in the West. Six of the 15 were located in Texas, including the fastest-growing city of all – Frisco, TX – which boasted a 71.1 percent population growth over the last decade.

The pandemic accelerated migration to the Sun Belt and suburbs

There’s no doubt that population shifts during COVID-19 transformed the housing market landscape. Though, many would argue the pandemic only exacerbated existing moving trends.

For starters, aging millennials were beginning to start families and seek more spacious homes in the suburbs. Additionally, strong job markets and low costs of living in Sun Belt cities were attracting more professionals. Finally, a large generation of retired Baby Boomers was setting their sights on homes in warmer parts of the country, including Florida and South Carolina.

The pandemic accelerated migration to the Sun Belt and suburbs

Population changes and remote work

The pandemic’s work-from-home lifestyle and increased remote work possibilities made moving to a new city easier than ever. Professionals looking for space and affordability traded in their pricey, walk-up city apartments for roomy, suburban houses.

Cities in the South and West became hotspots for newcomers. Big coastal cities, such as New York and San Francisco, experienced dramatic population declines during the pandemic. In 2020-2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, these were the large cities with the biggest population decline:

  • New York, NY (-305,465)
  • Los Angeles, CA (-40,537)
  • Chicago, IL (-45,175)
  • Houston, TX (-11,777)
  • Philadelphia, PA (-24,754)
  • San Diego, CA (-3,783)
  • Dallas, TX (-14,777)
  • San Jose, CA (-27,419)
  • Indianapolis, IN (-5,343).

However, many cities at the core of large U.S. metropolitan areas were no longer among the largest population losers in 2022, reversing a pattern seen during the first full year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. According to the latest Census estimates, big cities with the most numeric losses from 2021 to 2022 included only St. Louis, MO (-2.4 percent) and New Orleans, LA (-1.9 percent).

Cities with the most growth

So, who were the winners? According to the U.S. Census Bureau May 2022 update, from 2020 to 2021, the 10 cities with the largest numeric increases in population included:

  • San Antonio, TX (+13,626)
  • Phoenix, AZ (+13,224)
  • Fort Worth, TX (+12,916)
  • Port St. Lucie, FL (+10,771)
  • North Las Vegas, NV (+9,917)
  • Cape Coral, FL (+8,220)
  • Buckeye, AZ (+8,001)
  • Frisco, TX (+7,933)
  • New Braunfels, TX (+7,538)
  • Georgetown, TX (+7,193)

Among the states represented here are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. As you can see, warm-weather states in the South and West were (and still are) a clear favorite.

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So, what does the future hold?

As long as employers continue to allow workplace flexibility, Americans will have more freedom to live where they want. Even those who must be in the office several days a week may still choose suburban living over big-city living.

Realtor.com’s Housing Forecast 2023 predicts that after being overwhelmed by the housing frenzy of the recent past, homeowners, sellers, buyers, and renters may be underwhelmed in 2023. The slowdown in home sales transactions that began as mortgage rates surged in 2022 is expected to continue, leading to a moderation in home price growth and tipping housing market balance away from sellers.

But with mortgage rates continuing to climb as the Fed navigates the economy to a soft-ish landing, a moderation in home price growth will not be enough for the housing market to be a buyer’s bonanza. Instead, home shoppers will enjoy advantages such as a growing number of homes for sale, but costs will remain high, challenging affordability at a time when overall budgets continue to be squeezed.

If home shoppers and sellers have unrealistic expectations, they could find themselves in a stalemate in the year ahead. The 2023 housing market could become a “nobody’s-market,” not friendly to buyers nor to sellers.

Consumers who are ready for the challenge will need up-to-date information on market conditions, creativity and flexibility to adjust, and a healthy dose of patience in order to create success.

The Bottom Line

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: While many large cities aren’t what they were pre-pandemic, they aren’t dead either. Big cities remain big – despite population declines. They also come with the cultural attractions and convenient amenities that many desire.

If you’re thinking of moving to a big city, take a look at the largest U.S. cities by population, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Best of luck and happy moving!

Largest Cities in the U.S. by Population

Here are the top 300 largest U.S. cities by population. This information was updated in May 2023 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Rank Geographic Area April 1, 2020
Estimates Base		 Population Estimate (as of July 1)
2020 2021 2022
1 New York, NY 8,804,194 8,740,647 8,459,001 8,335,897
2 Los Angeles, CA 3,898,767 3,895,836 3,837,986 3,822,238
3 Chicago, IL 2,746,352 2,740,076 2,698,029 2,665,039
4 Houston, TX 2,301,572 2,299,867 2,291,655 2,302,878
5 Phoenix, AZ 1,608,190 1,612,337 1,625,356 1,644,409
6 Philadelphia, PA 1,603,799 1,600,600 1,589,480 1,567,258
7 San Antonio, TX 1,434,367 1,439,225 1,454,020 1,472,909
8 San Diego, CA 1,386,960 1,386,872 1,374,484 1,381,162
9 Dallas, TX 1,304,317 1,303,641 1,290,711 1,299,544
10 Austin, TX 961,900 965,768 969,343 974,447
11 Jacksonville, FL 949,616 951,707 956,911 971,319
12 San Jose, CA 1,013,221 1,009,830 981,466 971,233
13 Fort Worth, TX 918,937 923,576 937,539 956,709
14 Columbus, OH 905,839 906,266 903,051 907,971
15 Charlotte, NC 874,607 875,115 882,503 897,720
16 Indianapolis, IN 887,661 887,153 882,420 880,621
17 San Francisco, CA 873,959 870,393 811,253 808,437
18 Seattle, WA 737,018 740,520 731,507 749,256
19 Denver, CO 715,538 717,556 711,323 713,252
20 Oklahoma City, OK 681,084 683,024 688,361 694,800
21 Nashville-Davidson, TN 689,454 689,725 678,134 683,622
22 El Paso, TX 678,697 679,040 678,475 677,456
23 Washington, D.C. 689,546 670,868 668,791 671,803
24 Las Vegas, NV 644,866 646,737 650,770 656,274
25 Boston, MA 675,632 671,570 654,537 650,706
26 Portland. OR 652,518 653,294 643,375 635,067
27 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY 632,550 632,441 627,709 624,444
28 Memphis, TN 631,539 631,168 625,982 621,056
29 Detroit, MI 639,115 637,342 628,167 620,376
30 Baltimore, MD 585,693 583,139 576,981 569,931
31 Milwaukee, WI 577,225 576,511 565,840 563,305
32 Albuquerque, NM 564,581 564,855 563,108 561,008
33 Tucson, AZ 542,656 542,676 541,234 546,574
34 Fresno, CA 542,252 542,447 543,910 545,567
35 Sacramento, CA 524,924 525,668 525,951 528,001
36 Mesa, AZ 504,300 505,863 509,339 512,498
37 Kansas City, MO 507,971 508,183 508,949 509,297
38 Atlanta, GA 498,722 499,868 492,667 499,127
39 Colorado Springs, CO 479,016 480,292 483,328 486,248
40 Omaha, NE 491,743 492,601 488,508 485,153
41 Raleigh, NC 467,762 464,320 469,892 476,587
42 Virginia Beach, VA 459,471 459,646 458,680 455,618
43 Long Beach, CA 466,775 465,448 454,334 451,307
44 Miami, FL 442,260 442,799 441,999 449,514
45 Oakland, CA 440,660 440,873 436,291 430,553
46 Minneapolis, MN 429,985 430,684 424,635 425,096
47 Tulsa, OK 413,123 413,603 412,770 411,867
48 Bakersfield, CA 404,440 405,181 409,079 410,647
49 Tampa, FL 384,661 387,908 392,893 398,173
50 Wichita, KS 397,547 398,003 396,679 396,192
51 Arlington, TX 394,257 394,212 393,278 394,602
52 Aurora, CO 386,324 386,749 390,370 393,537
53 New Orleans, LA 383,998 383,218 377,063 369,749
54 Cleveland, OH 372,632 371,817 365,389 361,607
55 Anaheim, CA 346,825 347,105 346,174 344,461
56 Honolulu, HI 350,966 348,387 346,594 343,421
57 Henderson, NV 317,310 319,039 322,421 331,415
58 Stockton, CA 320,810 321,023 322,607 321,819
59 Riverside, CA 315,014 315,469 313,912 320,764
60 Lexington-Fayette, KY 322,567 322,613 320,473 320,347
61 Corpus Christi, TX 317,863 318,047 317,828 316,239
62 Orlando, FL 307,683 307,733 309,854 316,081
63 Irvine, CA 307,665 308,974 305,096 313,685
64 Cincinnati, OH 309,561 309,574 308,685 309,513
65 Santa Ana, CA 310,555 309,921 308,771 308,189
66 Newark, NJ 311,552 310,613 307,312 305,344
67 St. Paul, MN 311,518 311,130 307,150 303,176
68 Pittsburgh, PA 302,958 302,762 305,441 302,898
69 Greensboro, NC 299,101 296,916 299,225 301,115
70 Lincoln, NE 291,105 291,576 291,476 292,627
71 Durham, NC 283,588 284,362 289,177 291,928
72 Plano, TX 285,469 286,388 288,696 289,547
73 Anchorage, AK 291,244 290,866 288,702 287,145
74 Jersey City, NJ 292,754 291,919 284,642 286,670
75 St. Louis, MI 301,574 300,483 293,562 286,578
76 Chandler, AZ 276,010 277,327 279,479 280,711
77 North Las Vegas, NV 259,520 261,191 271,124 280,543
78 Chula Vista, CA 275,500 276,041 277,008 279,170
79 Buffalo, NY 278,301 277,620 277,845 276,486
80 Gilbert, AZ 267,932 269,157 273,205 275,346
81 Reno, NV 264,147 264,965 270,025 273,448
82 Madison, WI 269,769 270,313 267,871 272,903
83 Fort Wayne, IN 263,914 264,361 266,372 267,927
84 Toledo, OH 270,880 270,266 268,744 266,301
85 Lubbock, TX 257,157 257,974 261,199 263,930
86 St. Petersburg, FL 258,356 258,997 259,083 261,256
87 Laredo, TX 255,212 255,479 255,895 256,187
88 Irving, TX 256,687 256,866 254,561 254,715
89 Chesapeake, VA 249,415 249,803 251,739 252,488
90 Glendale, AZ 248,374 248,904 249,893 252,136
91 Winston-Salem city, NC 249,562 249,793 250,922 251,350
92 Scottsdale, AZ 241,339 241,866 242,780 243,050
93 Garland, TX 246,001 245,450 242,189 240,854
94 Boise City, ID 235,712 236,018 238,021 236,634
95 Norfolk, VA 238,001 237,738 235,025 232,995
96 Port St. Lucie, FL 204,856 206,808 217,903 231,790
97 Spokane, WA 228,978 229,187 229,674 230,160
98 Richmond, VA 226,618 227,008 227,602 229,395
99 Fremont, CA 230,493 230,194 226,532 223,871
100 Huntsville, AL 215,052 216,344 218,672 221,933
101 Tacoma, WA 219,175 219,693 219,593 221,776
102 Baton Rouge, LA 226,916 226,265 224,076 221,453
103 Santa Clarita, CA 228,679 228,065 224,320 221,345
104 San Bernardino, CA 222,068 222,028 221,242 220,328
105 Hialeah, FL 223,123 222,390 220,980 220,292
106 Frisco, TX 200,536 202,742 211,081 219,587
107 Modesto, CA 218,467 218,654 218,948 218,069
108 Cape Coral, FL 193,994 195,408 203,975 216,992
109 Fontana, CA 208,387 208,620 210,540 212,475
110 Moreno Valley, CA 208,640 209,107 211,564 211,924
111 Des Moines, IA 214,125 213,814 212,538 211,034
112 Rochester, NY 211,321 211,167 211,207 209,352
113 Fayetteville, NC 208,470 208,104 209,669 208,873
114 Yonkers, NY 211,585 210,989 209,942 208,121
115 McKinney, TX 195,326 197,474 203,427 207,507
116 Worcester, MA 206,519 205,063 205,660 205,319
117 Salt Lake City, UT 199,711 200,658 201,165 204,657
118 Little Rock, AR 202,562 202,622 202,230 202,864
119 Columbus, GA 206,922 206,998 205,024 202,616
120 Augusta-Richmond, GA 202,080 202,000 200,838 202,096
121 Sioux Falls, SD 192,700 193,409 196,802 202,078
122 Grand Prairie, TX 196,138 196,278 197,427 201,843
123 Tallahassee, FL 196,171 197,926 200,289 201,731
124 Amarillo, TX 200,377 200,507 200,852 201,291
125 Oxnard, CA 202,067 202,244 202,054 200,415
126 Peoria, AZ 190,966 191,961 194,973 197,866
127 Overland Park, KS 197,249 197,722 197,597 197,726
128 Montgomery, AL 200,586 200,024 198,469 196,986
129 Birmingham, AL 200,646 200,329 197,823 196,910
130 Grand Rapids, MI 198,893 198,698 197,751 196,908
131 Knoxville, TN 190,728 191,478 193,598 195,889
132 Vancouver, WA 190,888 191,259 192,759 194,512
133 Huntington Beach, CA 198,723 198,410 196,463 194,310
134 Providence, RI 190,932 190,728 190,081 189,563
135 Brownsville, TX 186,717 186,990 187,957 189,382
136 Glendale, 196,534 195,995 192,272 189,221
137 Akron, OH 190,416 190,130 188,550 188,509
138 Tempe, AZ 180,576 181,680 181,040 185,950
139 Newport News, VA 186,243 186,033 184,764 184,306
140 Chattanooga, TN 181,057 181,560 181,163 184,086
141 Mobile, AL 187,048 186,611 185,017 183,289
142 Fort Lauderdale, FL 182,775 182,880 182,011 183,146
143 Cary, NC 174,763 175,510 177,463 180,388
144 Shreveport, LA 187,587 186,827 183,328 180,153
145 Ontario, CA 175,266 175,852 177,845 179,061
146 Eugene, OR 177,195 177,389 177,953 177,923
147 Aurora, IL 180,526 180,197 179,336 177,866
148 Elk Grove, CA 176,141 176,732 178,283 177,558
149 Salem, OR 175,472 175,931 178,105 177,487
150 Santa Rosa, CA 178,128 177,835 177,149 177,181
151 Clarksville, TN 166,739 167,499 170,912 176,974
152 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 174,624 174,571 175,169 176,336
153 Oceanside, CA 174,048 173,914 172,919 172,199
154 Springfield, MO 169,168 169,164 169,255 170,067
155 Pembroke Pines, FL 171,182 171,062 169,635 169,876
156 Garden Grove, CA 171,973 171,759 170,511 169,254
157 Fort Collins, CO 169,827 169,979 169,266 169,249
158 Lancaster, CA 173,511 173,040 170,074 169,185
159 Palmdale, CA 169,415 168,863 165,452 163,463
160 Murfreesboro, TN 152,775 153,737 156,675 162,398
161 Salinas, CA 163,542 163,296 163,076 161,020
162 Corona, CA 157,154 157,549 159,782 159,567
163 Killeen, TX 153,143 153,726 156,959 159,172
164 Hayward, CA 162,948 162,602 158,445 156,754
165 Paterson, NJ 159,759 159,153 157,905 156,661
166 Macon-Bibb, GA 157,347 157,025 155,985 156,197
167 Lakewood, CO 155,975 156,236 157,109 156,120
168 Alexandria, VA 159,461 159,125 155,203 155,525
169 Roseville, CA 147,796 148,486 152,095 154,817
170 Surprise, AZ 143,158 144,395 149,325 154,198
171 Springfield, MA 155,931 155,407 154,948 154,064
172 Charleston, SC 150,288 150,742 151,783 153,672
173 Kansas City, KS 156,606 156,287 154,789 153,345
174 Sunnyvale, CA 155,629 155,264 152,030 153,091
175 Bellevue, WA 151,864 151,766 149,791 152,767
176 Hollywood, FL 153,036 152,792 152,427 152,650
177 Denton, TX 139,861 141,097 147,208 150,353
178 Escondido, CA 151,074 151,139 150,679 150,270
179 Joliet, IL 150,374 150,221 150,550 150,033
180 Naperville, IL 149,559 149,416 149,453 149,936
181 Bridgeport, CT 148,644 148,165 148,571 148,377
182 Savannah, GA 147,768 147,442 146,438 148,004
183 Mesquite, TX 150,227 149,666 147,821 147,899
184 Pasadena, TX 151,897 151,359 148,674 147,662
185 Rockford, IL 148,662 148,407 147,595 146,713
186 Pomona, CA 151,445 151,033 147,125 146,017
187 Jackson, MS 153,705 152,992 149,727 145,995
188 Olathe, KS 141,283 141,575 143,427 145,616
189 Gainesville, FL 141,079 142,203 143,955 145,214
190 McAllen, TX 142,195 142,395 143,882 144,579
191 Syracuse, NY 148,608 146,792 145,823 144,451
192 Waco, TX 140,119 140,534 142,336 143,984
193 Visalia, CA 141,574 141,859 142,795 143,966
194 Thornton, CO 141,862 142,176 142,934 143,282
195 Torrance, CA 147,071 146,589 143,509 141,126
196 Fullerton, CA 143,638 143,419 140,559 140,541
197 Columbia, SC 136,803 136,186 136,394 139,698
198 New Haven, CT 134,024 133,959 138,731 138,915
199 Hampton, VA 137,158 137,276 137,847 138,037
200 Miramar, FL 134,706 134,502 135,380 137,228
201 Victorville, CA 134,802 134,632 135,921 137,221
202 Warren, MI 139,398 139,101 138,272 137,107
203 West Valley City, UT 140,239 139,967 139,065 136,650
204 Cedar Rapids, IA 137,723 137,742 136,872 136,429
205 Stamford, CT 135,451 135,548 136,688 136,188
206 Orange, CA 139,902 139,428 137,295 136,178
207 Dayton, OH 137,624 137,484 136,837 135,944
208 Midland, TX 132,524 132,876 131,505 134,444
209 Kent, WA 136,609 136,580 135,182 134,392
210 Elizabeth, NJ 137,310 136,651 135,543 134,283
211 Pasadena, CA 138,719 138,304 135,932 134,211
212 Carrollton, TX 133,432 133,557 133,569 133,820
213 Coral Springs, FL 134,396 134,159 133,141 133,369
214 Sterling Heights, MI 134,334 134,112 133,344 132,567
215 Fargo, ND 125,952 125,979 129,510 131,444
216 Lewisville, TX 125,688 126,428 127,214 131,215
217 Meridian, ID 117,713 119,405 125,774 129,736
218 Norman, OK 127,991 128,161 129,070 129,627
219 Palm Bay, FL 119,752 120,154 122,952 129,234
220 Athens-Clarke, GA 127,362 127,243 127,873 128,561
221 Columbia, MO 126,233 126,486 127,550 128,555
222 Abilene, TX 125,178 125,404 126,160 127,385
223 Pearland, TX 125,815 125,989 125,926 126,949
224 Santa Clara, CA 127,861 127,894 127,958 126,930
225 Round Rock, TX 119,501 120,531 124,041 126,697
226 Topeka, KS 126,601 126,419 126,124 125,449
227 Allentown, PA 125,858 125,722 125,772 125,094
228 Clovis, CA 120,160 120,660 123,007 124,556
229 Simi Valley, CA 126,373 126,335 126,053 124,398
230 College Station, TX 120,523 120,763 122,650 124,319
231 Thousand Oaks, CA 126,968 126,770 126,001 124,265
232 Vallejo, CA 126,083 125,886 124,773 123,564
233 Concord, CA 125,411 125,256 124,337 122,625
234 Rochester, MN 121,388 121,565 121,728 121,878
235 Arvada, CO 124,402 124,394 123,591 121,581
236 Lafayette, LA 121,398 121,445 121,486 121,389
237 Independence, MO 123,004 122,974 122,219 121,202
238 West Palm Beach, FL 117,315 117,492 117,891 120,932
239 Hartford, CT 121,018 120,638 120,867 120,686
240 Wilmington, NC 115,456 115,756 117,792 120,324
241 Lakeland, FL 112,640 113,894 117,258 120,071
242 Billings, MT 117,142 117,205 117,703 119,960
243 Ann Arbor, MI 123,872 123,625 119,070 119,875
244 Fairfield, CA 119,872 119,874 119,835 119,338
245 Berkeley, CA 124,324 124,206 114,810 118,950
246 Richardson, TX 119,464 119,323 118,149 118,802
247 North Charleston, SC 114,839 115,563 117,586 118,608
248 Cambridge, MA 118,395 118,349 118,082 118,488
249 Broken Arrow, OK 113,556 113,922 116,356 117,911
250 Clearwater, FL 117,387 117,284 117,093 117,027
251 West Jordan, UT 116,962 117,024 116,544 116,664
252 Evansville, IN 117,291 117,364 116,670 115,749
253 League City, TX 114,377 114,679 115,611 115,418
254 Antioch, CA 115,305 115,251 114,964 115,264
255 Manchester, NH 115,653 115,499 115,173 115,141
256 High Point, NC 114,117 114,225 114,676 115,067
257 Waterbury, CT 114,455 114,293 114,998 115,016
258 Westminster, CO 116,315 116,302 114,798 114,533
259 Richmond, CA 116,432 116,367 115,731 114,301
260 Carlsbad, CA 114,735 114,896 115,224 114,160
261 Las Cruces, NM 111,392 111,699 112,853 113,888
262 Murrieta, CA 110,953 111,318 113,006 113,783
263 Lowell, MA 115,550 115,366 114,288 113,608
264 Provo, UT 115,173 115,102 114,903 113,523
265 Springfield, IL 114,414 114,264 113,742 113,273
266 Elgin, IL 114,798 114,604 114,031 113,177
267 Odessa, TX 114,452 114,926 112,191 112,906
268 Lansing, MI 112,657 112,554 112,549 112,537
269 Pompano Beach, FL 112,056 111,954 111,516 112,302
270 Beaumont, TX 115,268 114,980 113,638 112,089
271 Temecula, CA 109,994 110,013 110,810 111,752
272 Gresham, OR 114,255 114,466 113,154 111,621
273 Allen, TX 104,645 105,537 107,019 111,551
274 Pueblo, CO 111,874 111,891 111,991 111,456
275 Everett, WA 110,602 110,881 110,958 111,337
276 South Fulton, GA 108,064 108,218 109,325 111,158
277 Peoria, IL 113,176 112,850 111,870 111,021
278 Nampa, ID 100,310 101,303 106,525 110,951
279 Tuscaloosa, AL 99,627 104,214 109,082 110,602
280 Miami Gardens, FL 111,644 111,481 111,648 110,497
281 Santa Maria, CA 109,695 109,742 109,647 110,125
282 Downey, CA 114,358 113,973 111,570 109,934
283 Concord, NC 105,318 105,967 108,029 109,896
284 San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA 110,736 110,518 110,027 109,527
285 Costa Mesa, CA 111,926 111,797 110,885 109,521
286 Sugar Land, TX 111,032 110,822 109,584 109,414
287 Menifee, CA 102,526 103,158 106,365 109,399
288 Tyler, TX 105,984 106,276 107,353 109,286
289 Sparks, NV 108,457 108,876 109,681 109,226
290 Greeley, CO 108,791 109,264 108,631 109,209
291 Rio Rancho, NM 104,039 104,361 105,944 108,082
292 Sandy Springs, GA 108,068 108,163 107,344 107,763
293 Dearborn, MI 109,961 109,662 108,736 107,710
294 Jurupa Valley, CA 105,054 105,313 106,982 107,609
295 Spokane Valley, WA 102,983 103,525 105,796 107,325
296 Hillsboro, OR 106,438 106,981 106,916 107,299
297 Davie, FL 105,703 106,024 105,872 106,513
298 Green Bay, WI 107,363 107,254 106,346 106,095
299 Centennial, CO 108,422 108,185 107,332 105,865
300 Buckeye, AZ 91,535 93,754 101,720 105,567

More on the Top 20 Largest U.S. Cities by Population

  1. New York City, NY

    Population: 8,335,897

    Nickname: “The Big Apple” and “The City that Never Sleeps”

    Why You Should Move: Fast-paced and energetic, New York City is home to many of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods, restaurants and museums. The Big Apple is also one of the largest cultural and financial hubs globally. Though real estate in the city is exceptionally expensive, the abundance of amenities and job opportunities make it one of the best places in the world to live.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, New York City experienced a population decline of 5.3 percent between April 2020 and July 2022. Despite these population losses, the city remains the country’s largest city by a long shot.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in New York City is $750,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $4,200 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for New York City is 160, 60 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in New York City is $70,663 according to Census data.

  2. Los Angeles, CA

    Population: 3,822,238

    Nickname: “City of Angels,” “La La Land,” “The Big Orange,” and “Tinseltown”

    Why You Should Move: Home to celebrities, artists and free spirits, Los Angeles never stops attracting people from every corner of the globe. This cosmopolitan city offers a hub for the entertainment industry and easy access to beaches, forests and hiking trails. Those looking for ideal weather, ample job opportunities and plenty of diversity will find it in L.A.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, LA experienced a population decline of 2 percent between April 2020 and July 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Los Angeles is $1.1M.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $3,580 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Los Angeles is 148, which is 48 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Los Angeles is $69,778, according to Census data.

  3. Chicago, IL

    Population: 2,665,039

    Nickname: “The Windy City”

    Why You Should Move: Located along Lake Michigan, Chicago’s phenomenal restaurant scene, world-renowned museums, relatively low housing costs, and Midwestern charm make it a great place to call home. The city is also famous for its iconic architecture and beautiful skyline. All of these incredible upsides make those cold, bitter winters in Chicago worth the hassle.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, Chicago experienced a population decline of 3 percent between April 2020 and July 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Chicago is $350,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,210 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Chicago is 111, which is 11 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Chicago is $65,781, according to Census data.

    Chicago

  4. Houston, TX

    Population: 2,302,878

    Nickname: “Space City,” “Bayou City,” “H Town,” and “The Big Heart”

    Why You Should Move: Houston’s stable job market, diverse economy and livable neighborhoods make the Texas city a popular choice for young professionals and families. In years past, the city was ranked number one by Forbes for paycheck worth and was included in Forbes list of “Best Places for Business and Careers.” AreaVibes also gives Houston high marks for its many amenities, low cost of living, affordable real estate, and excellent schools.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, Houston only lost 0.1 of its population between April 2020 and July 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Houston is $347,220.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,800 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Houston is 94, which is six percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Houston is $56,019, according to Census data.

  5. Phoenix, AZ

    Population: 1,644,409

    Nickname: “The Valley of the Sun” and “The Salt River Valley”

    Why You Should Move: Surrounded by desert mountains and numerous hiking trails, Phoenix is the perfect place to live for those who love spending time in the great outdoors. The city also boasts year-round sunny weather, first-class golf courses, and a low cost of living. Thanks to its many amenities and recreational opportunities, families, young professionals, and retirees will find the Phoenix area an ideal place to live.

    Population Notes: Phoenix gained 2.3 percent of new residents between 2020 and 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Phoenix is $475,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,200 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Phoenix is 97, which is three percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Houston is $64,927, according to Census data.

  6. Philadelphia, PA

    Population: 1,567,258

    Nickname: “The City of Brotherly Love”

    Why You Should Move: Besides being one of the most historically significant cities in the country, Philadelphia offers a hip arts scene, multiple music venues and plenty of trendy restaurants. The city is also a major job hub in Pennsylvania, with several large companies located in the area, including Comcast, CIGNA, Aramark and more. College and graduate students are also drawn to Philadelphia. There are many excellent schools in the area: the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Temple University – among many others.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, Philadelphia lost 2.3 percent of its population between 2020 and 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Philadelphia is $260,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,800 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Philadelphia is 102, which is two percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Philadelphia is $52,649, according to Census data.

    Philadelphia

  7. San Antonio, TX

    Population: 1,472,909

    Nickname: “Alamo City”

    Why You Should Move: Looking to move out west? San Antonio, home of the famous Alamo, is rich in history and the wild west culture. The city offers a thriving job market, delicious Tex-Mex, a family-friendly environment, and many festivals and community gatherings. AreaVibes gives San Antonio high marks for its many amenities, low cost of living, affordable real estate, and excellent schools.

    Population Notes: From 2020 to 2022, San Antonio experienced a 2.5 percent increase in population.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in San Antonio is $303,099.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,800 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for San Antonio is 90, which is 10 percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in San Antonio is $55,084, according to Census data.

  8. San Diego, CA

    Population: 1,381,162

    Nickname: “America’s Finest City”

    Why You Should Move: Quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., San Diego is a popular place for beach enthusiasts, foodies and young professionals. The sunny city offers a slew of outdoor recreational activities and an energetic sports culture. San Diego’s business environment is also thriving, with startups and high-tech companies setting up shop in the area every day. The city’s highly educated workforce attracts companies nationwide.

    Population Notes: San Diego lost less than one percent of it residents from 2020 to 2022, according to the latest Census figures.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in San Diego is $949,900.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $3,350 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for San Diego is 150, which is 50 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in San Antonio is $89,457, according to Census data.

  9. Dallas, TX

    Population: 1,299,544

    Nickname: “The Big D”

    Why You Should Move: Rated as a “beta plus” world city, Dallas is a leader in entrepreneurship, innovation and tech. The city offers a diverse population, a booming economy and a thriving job market. In addition, the city’s top-notch public schools, sunny weather, affordable real estate, and many amenities make it the perfect place for families with school-age children, young professionals and retirees.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, Dallas lost only 0.4 percent of its residents from 2020 to 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Dallas is $450,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,990 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Dallas is 97, which is three percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Dallas is $58,231, according to Census data.

    Dallas

  10. Austin, TX

    Population: 974,447

    Nickname: “Bat City” and “The Live Music Capital of the World”

    Why You Should Move: With an exceptionally strong job market, booming tech sector and healthy economy, Austin is one of the best places in the country for professionals seeking a job. In addition, the funky, “weird” culture makes it an especially interesting place to live. Newcomers will find all sorts of great music venues, tasty restaurants and outdoor activities.

    Population Notes: Austin experienced a relatively small population growth of 1.3 percent from 2020 to 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Austin is $635,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,200 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Austin is 107, which is seven percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Austin is $78,965, according to Census data.

  11. Jacksonville, FL

    Population: 971,319

    Nickname: “Jax”

    Why You Should Move: If the beach lifestyle with big city amenities is what you’re after, then Jacksonville is the place for you. With its low cost of living and inexpensive housing prices, it’s also one of the most affordable big cities to live in. Jacksonville’s 20-mile strand of beaches, happening nightlife, family-friendly amenities, and an endless number of outdoor activities also make it one of the most fun places to call home.

    Population Notes: Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and has experienced an increase in population growth over the years. From 2020 to 2021, the city had 2.3 percent of new residents.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Jacksonville is $304,900.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,750 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Jacksonville is 92, which is eight percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Jacksonville is $58,263, according to Census data.

  12. San Jose, CA

    Population: 971,233

    Nickname: “The Capital of Silicon Valley”

    Why You Should Move: Often ranked as one of the top 10 most livable cities in America, this sunny and sprawling California city offers a solid job market and excellent schools. According to the city’s official website, San Jose also boasts one of the highest concentrations of tech companies in the world. Those who can afford to live in San Jose will find it an ideal place to live and work.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census figures, San Jose experienced a decline of 0.4 percent in population between 2020 and 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in San Jose is $1.3M.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $3,570 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for San Jose is 179, which is 79 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in San Jose is $125,075, according to Census data.

    San Jose

  13. Fort Worth, TX

    Population: 956,709

    Nickname: “Panther City” and “Cowtown”

    Why You Should Move: Fort Worth’s low cost of living, excellent schools, affordable neighborhoods, and strong job market make it one of the best big cities for professionals and families. The iconic Western city also has plenty of cowboy heritage, rodeos and Wild West culture to make it a fun place to live and visit.

    Population Notes: According to the latest Census data, Fort Worth experienced a 4/1 percent population growth from 2020 to 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Fort Worth is $349,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,100 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Fort Worth is 95, which is five percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Fort Worth is $67,927, according to Census data.

  14. Columbus, OH

    Population: 907,971

    Nickname: “Arch City”

    Why You Should Move: Columbus is known for its small-town feel and big-city amenities. It’s also the state capital of Ohio and offers a vibrant downtown with excellent restaurants, a strong job market, and plenty to see and do. Young professionals and families will find Columbus to be a particularly good place to put down roots, as there are a variety of unique neighborhoods to live in. The median age is 32.4 and many residents are young professionals with families.

    Population Notes: From 2020 to 2022, Columbus gained just 0.2 percent of new people.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Columbus is $259,900.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,690 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Columbus is 88, which is 12 percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Columbus is $58,575, according to Census data.

  15. Charlotte, NC

    Population: 897,720

    Nickname: “The Queen City”

    Why You Should Move: Warm weather, a good economy and plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods are just a few reasons why Queen City is a great place to live. Charlotte’s growing population is also a testament to how quickly this southern city has attracted newcomers from all over the country. Affordable homes, a thriving job market and a low cost of living make it an excellent place to relocate.

    Population Notes: From 2020 to 2022, the city gained 2.6 percent of new residents.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Charlotte is $417,900.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,010 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Charlotte is 100, which is equal to the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Charlotte is $68,367, according to Census data.

    Charlotte

  16. Indianapolis, IN

    Population: 880,621

    Nickname: “Naptown” and “Indy”

    Why You Should Move: From the friendly residents to the many family-focused amenities, Indianapolis offers an excellent quality of life for professionals and families. It’s also home to the Indianapolis 500, the largest, single-day sporting event in the world, and the largest Children’s Museum in the country.

    Population Notes: From 2020 to 2022, the city lost only 0.8 percent of its population.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Indianapolis is $239,900.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,530 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Indianapolis is 88, which is 12 percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Indianapolis is $54,321, according to Census data.

  17. San Francisco, CA

    Population: 808,437

    Nickname: “The Golden City”

    Why You Should Move: Many residents will tell you that San Francisco’s world-class dining, amenities and cultural activities make the high cost of living well worth it. The city’s mild weather, many green parks and drop-dead gorgeous Bay views make it one of the most beautiful cities to experience. Whether you’re simply a tourist or here for life, San Francisco offers much to see and do.

    Population Notes: San Francisco experienced a mass exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Census data, 7.5 percent of the city residents migrated out of San Francisco from 2020 to 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in San Francisco is $1.3M.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $3,890 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for San Francisco is 203, which is 103 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in San Francisco is $126,187, according to Census data.

  18. Seattle, WA

    Population: 749,256

    Nickname: “Emerald City”

    Why You Should Move: From the gorgeous mountains to the stunning coastal scenery, Seattle is one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in America – despite the infamous rainy weather. Seattle is also home to a thriving tech scene, a strong job market and plenty of major company headquarters, including Amazon. The Pacific Northwest city is also a great place to live for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and a good cup of coffee.

    Population Notes: Despite many people leaving urban areas during the pandemic, Seattle’s population increased 1.7 percent from 2020 to 2022.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Seattle is $799,950.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,650 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Seattle is 157, which is 57 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Seattle is $105,391, according to Census data.

    Seattle

  19. Denver, CO

    Population: 713,252

    Nickname: “The Mile High City”

    Why You Should Move: If you love the outdoors (and don’t mind the snow), then Denver is one of the best places to live. The city is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. It’s also a great place to find a job. Denver attracts plenty of newcomers, including professionals and families, thanks to its low unemployment rate and healthy economy.

    Population Notes: Before the pandemic, Denver enjoyed 15 years of consistent population growth and hadn’t experienced a population decline since 2005. The pandemic resulted in many of its residents moving out of the city, putting a pause on the city’s growth.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Denver is $583,700.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $2,100 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Denver is 116, which is 16 percent higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Denver is $78,177, according to Census data.

  20. Oklahoma City, OK

    Population: 694,800

    Nickname: “The Big Friendly”

    Why You Should Move: Known for its friendliness and hospitality, Oklahoma City is one of the most welcoming big cities for newcomers. Its low cost of living, low crime rates and highly rated schools also make it an excellent place for families to call home (and buy a home). It’s also just as easy to find a home in Oklahoma City as it is to find things to do. With over 170 outdoor parks, a world-class zoo, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and many museums to explore, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience in this growing city.

    Population Notes: A newcomer to the top 20 list, Oklahoma City jumped ahead of Nashville and Washington, D.C., to become the 20th largest city in America.

    Median Home Price: The median listing price for a home in Oklahoma City is $290,000.

    Median Rental Rate: The median rental rate is $1,600 a month.

    Cost of Living Data: The cost of living index score for Oklahoma City is 88, which is 12 percent lower than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

    Median Household Income: The median household income in Oklahoma City is $59,679, according to Census data.

Ready to move to one of these cities?

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Top 300 Largest Cities in the United States by Population 2023
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