Census: Majority of fastest growing cities in U.S. are in Texas

By Bethany Blankley
The Center Square

Eight of the 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S. were reported in Texas, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.

Fort Worth also made history, becoming the 10th largest city in the United States.

The populations of both Fort Worth and Austin also each surpassed one million people.

While “a widespread national slowdown in population growth was reported between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025,” according to U.S. Census Bureau’s newly released Vintage 2025 population estimates, Texas cities broke records.

The five fastest-growing cities in the country with populations of 20,000 or more were in Texas: Celina, Fulshear, Princeton, Melissa and Anna.

Celina, located near Dallas, was the fastest-growing city in the U.S. It’s population surged by 24.6% in one year. Celina was also the fastest-growing city in the country in 2023, the Census notes, saying, “Rapid growth is nothing new for Celina.”

Fulshear was not far behind, reporting a 21% population increase; Princeton’s increase was 18.1%; Melissa’s was 14.5%; Anna’s was 10.2%, according to the data.

The 15 fastest growing cities and towns in the country with populations of 20,000 or more were Celina, TX, Fulshear, TX, Princeton, TX, Melissa, TX, Anna, TX, Haines City, FL, Waukee, IA, Forney, TX, Eagle Mountain, UT, Johnstown, CO, Kuna, ID, Queen Creek, AZ, Hutto, TX, Foley, AL, and Greenville, TX.

Six of the top 15 cities with the largest numeric population increase in the country were also in Texas: Fort Worth (2), San Antonio (3), Celina (4), Houston (6), Fulshear (7) and McKinney (10).

Five of the 15 most populated cities in the country are in Texas: Houston ranks fourth with a population of nearly 2.4 million; San Antonio is seventh with 1.5 million; Dallas, ninth with 1.3 million; Fort Worth, 10th, with one million; Austin, 12th with 1 million.

In response to Fort Worth becoming the 10th most populous city in the country, its mayor, Mattie Parker, said, “Fort Worth is booming for the right reasons. As we celebrate our top 10 ranking, it’s more important than ever that we continue to lead with smart policies, smart investments and smart planning to ensure the city we love thrives long into the future.”

The city also said its growth and Texas’ growth “can be attributed to various factors, including a strong economy, a comparatively low cost of living and a favorable business climate. Fort Worth’s population growth, economic expansion and changing demographics highlight the city’s ongoing appeal as a place to live and work, as well as the larger trend of Texas’ rapid population growth.”

Fort Worth also had the second-largest numeric population increase, behind Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the data.

Overall, southern states dominated the fastest-growing and highest-gaining cities. The region claimed 10 of the 15 fastest-growing cities nationwide and 11 of the 12 cities reporting the largest numeric gains, according to the data.

By contrast, large cities saw population declines over the same time period, especially in the northeast, led by New York City.

“Big-city growth slowed significantly between 2024 and 2025, with some major hubs even seeing small declines,” Census Bureau Population Division statistician Matt Erickson said.

New York City, with an 8.5 million population, reported “the greatest numeric decrease in the nation,” losing 12,196 residents, the Census Bureau said. Despite ongoing population losses, it’s still the largest city in the country.