News Summary
San Antonio is on the verge of becoming the sixth largest city in the U.S., with a population increase of nearly 24,000 in just one year. The metro area has also seen significant growth, adding over 205,000 residents. This surge places San Antonio as the fourth fastest-growing large city, amid a trend where major Texas cities thrive despite slower state-wide growth. Ongoing infrastructure improvements are essential to sustain this rapid growth trajectory and assure quality of life for its residents.
San Antonio’s Rapid Growth Poised to Make it the 6th Largest City in America
San Antonio is on track to become the sixth largest city in the United States, as indicated by the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The city welcomed 23,945 new residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, bringing its total population to approximately 1,526,656.
Growing Metro Area
Alongside its city limits, the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area has expanded significantly. From April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2024, this region grew by nearly 205,000 residents, pushing its population to almost 2.8 million, an increase from 2.6 million four years earlier. The rapid pace of growth places San Antonio as the fourth fastest-growing large city in America.
Texas Growth Trends
While Texas as a whole is experiencing slower population growth compared to previous years, major urban centers like San Antonio and Austin continue to thrive. During the same period from 2023 to 2024, all of the nation’s 387 metropolitan areas saw positive net international migration, contributing to a total population increase of nearly 2.7 million nationwide.
Future Projections
San Antonio is situated within the San Antonio-Austin Megaregion, a projected economic powerhouse in the U.S. With Austin’s population nearing 975,000, the combined population of the San Antonio-Austin metro area now exceeds 5 million. Future projections suggest that this number could skyrocket to 8.3 million as the regions continue to grow.
Job Market Surge
Both San Antonio and Austin are recognized among the top five metropolitan areas for job growth within the nation. In 2024, Texas outpaced the national job growth rate by 0.6 percentage points, highlighting the economic opportunities present in these expanding communities.
Infrastructure Needs
Sustaining this rapid growth poses challenges, especially concerning infrastructure. City leaders emphasize the necessity to enhance roadways, water supply systems, electric power grids, and educational institutions to sufficiently accommodate the increasing population and economic development.
Background Context
San Antonio’s growth trajectory can be attributed to various factors, including its affordable cost of living, diverse economy, cultural attractions, and its appeal as a desirable place to live. With its location within a thriving economic zone and connections to Austin, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., San Antonio is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.
As the city approaches this notable milestone of becoming the sixth largest in the U.S., comprehensive planning and investment in infrastructure will be essential for maintaining quality of life and fostering sustainable growth for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: San Antonio-Austin Megaregion
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Axios: San Antonio Population Growth
- Google Search: San Antonio Growth 2025
- SA Current: San Antonio’s Growth
- Google Scholar: Population Growth San Antonio
- Express News: Texas Population Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Seguin Today: Fastest Growing Cities
- Google News: San Antonio Population 2025
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.
