News Summary

A recent geologic study has revealed that San Antonio is the fastest-sinking city in the U.S., with a subsidence rate of 1.099 mm per year. This alarming statistic highlights the risk to infrastructure and safety, as a staggering number of buildings in the city are categorized as having high risk due to land subsidence. Over 1 million residents are affected, necessitating urgent infrastructure adaptations and monitoring to safeguard against potential damages.

San Antonio Named Fastest-Sinking City in the U.S. with Alarming Risk of Land Subsidence Damage

San Antonio has been designated as one of the fastest-sinking cities in the United States, as revealed by a geologic study published in the journal Nature Cities on May 8, 2025. This alarming finding highlights the pressing issue of land subsidence affecting urban areas in Texas.

The study assessed land subsidence rates among the 28 largest U.S. cities, utilizing data from the 2020 Census, and discovered that San Antonio is sinking at a rate of approximately 1.099 millimeters per year. While this rate is lower than that of Fort Worth, which is sinking at -4.366 mm/year, and Dallas at -3.846 mm/year, it still raises significant concerns due to the associated risks.

Among the cities surveyed, a staggering 25 reported negative vertical land motion (VLM), with Houston noted as the fastest-sinking city at -5.216 millimeters per year. Uniquely, San Antonio’s risks were underscored by the fact that it has the worst ratio of high-risk buildings, with one out of every 45 buildings categorized as having high or very high risk due to land subsidence. This results in a total of 10,269 buildings deemed at high or very high risk, more than any other city evaluated in the study.

Impact on Residents

The implications of these subsidence rates are dire, as an estimated 1.05 million of San Antonio’s 1.5 million residents live in areas impacted by land subsidence. This broad reach signifies that a large portion of the population could face potential challenges related to infrastructure and safety.

The study detailed that the primary causes of land subsidence include groundwater extraction, tectonic activities, and an array of environmental factors. These causes contribute not only to structural damage but also to negative environmental and socioeconomic effects.

Infrastructure and Future Recommendations

The findings of the study underscore an urgent need for infrastructure adaptations to mitigate the risks associated with land subsidence. Without proactive measures, the challenges posed by subsidence can escalate, impacting everything from flooding risks to the integrity of urban transportation systems.

Recommendations from researchers include implementing building restrictions in high-risk areas, enhancing critical infrastructure, and establishing continuous monitoring systems for subsidence levels. These steps are essential in safeguarding the residents and buildings of San Antonio against ongoing and increasing risks.

Comparison with Other Texas Cities

San Antonio is not alone in its struggle against land subsidence. Other Texas cities, including Dallas and Fort Worth, also show concerning subsidence rates, despite being at varying levels. Austin, for instance, experienced subsidence at a rate of -0.792 mm/year, while El Paso faced a rate of -0.754 mm/year.

Interestingly, the study found that only three cities—Jacksonville, Florida; San Jose, California; and Memphis, Tennessee—were not experiencing any sinking. Overall, the assessment concluded that at least 20% of land area in U.S. cities is sinking, affecting around 34 million people. This alarming reality necessitates immediate attention and action.

Conclusion

As San Antonio grapples with its identification as the fastest-sinking city in the U.S., the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly critical. Addressing land subsidence effectively will require collaboration among city planners, engineers, and residents to create a safer, more resilient urban environment for the future.

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Additional Resources

• KSAT News
• Wikipedia: Land Subsidence
• Express News
• Google Search: San Antonio land subsidence
• KENS 5 News
• Google Scholar: Texas land subsidence
• The Washington Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Land Subsidence
• New Atlas
• Google News: San Antonio sinking

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.