News Summary
Fort Worth, Texas, has officially overtaken Austin to become the fourth-largest city in the state, with a population of over 1 million residents. This significant population increase of 23,442 people from the previous year reflects broader growth trends in Texas, as the area continues to attract new residents. City officials are recognizing the challenges that rapid urban growth brings, particularly regarding infrastructure and public services, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to effectively manage these developments.
Fort Worth, Texas has officially surpassed Austin to become the fourth-largest city in the state after its population hit 1,008,106 in July 2024, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday. This milestone also places Fort Worth as the 11th most populous city in the United States.
Austin, which previously held the fourth spot, reported a population of 993,588, ranking it 13th nationally. The population rise in Fort Worth, which amounted to 23,442 new residents from July 2023 to July 2024, was anticipated following projections from the Texas Demographic Center released in November 2023.
Fort Worth now stands as one of the only cities in Texas, alongside Jacksonville, Florida, to surpass a population of one million within the last year, indicating notable growth trends. Additionally, Fort Worth’s numeric increase in population ranks it fifth in the nation for population growth over the same one-year period.
Comparative Growth in Texas
Houston continues to lead Texas in overall population growth, gaining 43,217 residents. This is followed closely by San Antonio, which saw an increase of 23,945 residents during the same timeframe. Notably, Princeton, Texas, has been recognized as the fastest-growing city in the U.S., with an impressive 30.6% increase in population.
Other cities within Texas that are experiencing rapid growth include Celina (18.2% increase), Anna (14.6% increase), and Fate (11.4% increase). Remarkably, Texas is home to nearly half of the U.S.’s 15 fastest-growing cities, with five of those located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Challenges of Urban Growth
Fort Worth’s population has increased by 9.7% since 2020, with a 3.1% rise in the past year alone. This growth presents significant implications for local infrastructure and public services, requiring strategic planning to manage the complexities that accompany an expanding population. Fort Worth is noted for being one of the least densely populated cities among the top 30 U.S. cities, highlighting the potential for continued growth in the area.
City officials including the Mayor and City Manager have acknowledged the need for smart policies and governance to address the challenges posed by this rapid urban development. As they aim to maintain a positive growth trajectory, Fort Worth’s leadership is actively working on planning initiatives to ensure they can adequately meet the needs of a growing population while managing the accompanying infrastructure demands.
Future Considerations
As Fort Worth celebrates this achievement, it also faces the vital task of addressing the immediate and long-term challenges that rapid growth entails. Proactive measures will be essential to ensure that the city can continue to thrive as a diverse and inclusive community, even as its population swells.
This growth narrative in Fort Worth reflects broader trends occurring throughout Texas, which has become an attractive destination for new residents seeking opportunities in a robust economy. The challenges that growth brings will necessitate careful management to sustain Fort Worth’s vibrant community into the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Princeton, Texas Named Fastest-Growing City in the US
San Antonio Ranks Fourth in Newcomer Population Growth
Governor Abbott Signs Trio of Pro-Business Laws in Austin
San Antonio Schools Face Accountability Challenges in Ratings
Alpine Group Opens New Office in Dallas-Fort Worth
Alterra IOS Expands Presence in Texas with New Acquisitions
Somnigroup International Establishes Headquarters in Dallas
University of Texas at San Antonio Unveils New Branding
MilkShake Factory to Open in San Antonio’s Stone Oak Area
Downtown San Antonio Businesses Struggle Amid Construction
Additional Resources
- NBC DFW
- Wikipedia: Fort Worth, Texas
- WFAA
- Google Search: Fort Worth population
- Fort Worth Magazine
- Google Scholar: Fort Worth population growth
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fort Worth
- FOX 4 News
- Google News: Fort Worth Texas
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.
