News Summary
San Antonio is projected to become the sixth largest city in the U.S. by July 2024, surpassing Philadelphia. Recent U.S. Census data shows San Antonio gained nearly 24,000 residents within a year, bringing its population to over 1.5 million. This trend reflects broader growth across Texas, which hosts multiple rapidly expanding cities. Local leaders are preparing for this influx by investing in infrastructure and services to accommodate a booming population, emphasizing the significance of San Antonio and the overall San Antonio-Austin Megaregion for future economic growth.
San Antonio is on track to become the sixth largest city in the United States, potentially surpassing Philadelphia by July 2024. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that San Antonio gained 23,945 residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, bringing its total population to 1,526,656. In contrast, Philadelphia’s population stands at 1,573,916, just 47,260 more than San Antonio’s current total.
This growth positions San Antonio as the fourth fastest-growing large city in the country. The city’s population surge reflects a broader trend within Texas, which has several cities among the fastest-growing in the nation. Houston remains the most populated city in Texas with a population of 2,390,125, while Dallas ranks ninth nationally with over 1.3 million residents. Additionally, Fort Worth has recently crossed the critical milestone of over 1 million residents, securing its position as the 11th largest city. Austin follows closely as the 13th, with more than 993,000 residents.
Princeton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, has been recognized as the fastest-growing city in the U.S., demonstrating a remarkable one-third increase in its population within just one year. Alongside San Antonio, other rapidly growing cities in Texas include Fulshear, Hutto, Celina, Anna, Fate, and Melissa, which collectively highlight the state’s dynamic demographic changes.
The South region of the United States has emerged as the area with the highest average population growth. In 2024, Texas notably outpaced the national job growth rate by 0.6 percentage points, bolstered by flourishing economic conditions. San Antonio and Austin are positioned among the top five metropolitan areas for job growth nationwide. The San Antonio-Austin Megaregion is projected to evolve into one of the most vital economic zones in the U.S. over the next 20 years, emphasizing the increasing importance of these cities in the national landscape.
Currently, the combined population of the San Antonio-Austin metro area is approximately 5 million, with projections indicating it could grow to 8.3 million in the coming years. In response to this anticipated growth, local leaders are proactive in preparing infrastructure to accommodate the burgeoning population. They are focusing on enhancing roadway systems, increasing water supply capabilities, and improving educational institutions, ensuring that the cities remain equipped to handle the increased demand on resources and services.
As San Antonio inches closer to outpacing Philadelphia, the implications for urban planning, economic development, and community resources become increasingly critical. The data presented by the U.S. Census Bureau serves as a crucial indicator of the shifts in population dynamics and the rising prominence of cities in Texas within the broader context of American urban landscapes. Keeping a close watch on these developments provides insight into the factors shaping the future of these cities and the experiences of residents.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: San Antonio Population Growth
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- CultureMap: San Antonio Population 2024
- Google Search: San Antonio Population Growth
- Spectrum Local News: Texas Cities Population Growth
- Google Scholar: Texas Population Growth
- KENS5: San Antonio-Austin Megaregion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Express News: Texas Population Growth Census
- Google News: San Antonio Population
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
