San Antonio, Texas, December 13, 2025
Despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., San Antonio has experienced a concerning net population decline in the last two years. The city welcomed nearly 24,000 new residents from July 2023 to July 2024, securing its status as the fourth fastest-growing city. However, more residents have left than moved in, which, combined with rising crime rates and economic disparities, has impacted the city’s demographics. The low poverty rate stands in contrast to its economic challenges, requiring urgent attention to enhance the quality of life for residents.
San Antonio Faces Net Population Decline Despite Growth
San Antonio, Texas – Amidst a backdrop of rapid growth, San Antonio has encountered an unexpected net population decline over the last two years, with more residents leaving the city than relocating there. This situation stands in stark contrast to the region’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the nation.
Population Growth and Decline
From July 2023 to July 2024, San Antonio welcomed approximately 23,945 new residents, solidifying its position as the fourth fastest-growing city in the United States during that timeframe. However, despite this influx, the city has experienced more outflows than inflows over the past two years, resulting in a net population decrease. As of July 1, 2024, estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau place San Antonio’s population at 1,526,656, making it the seventh most populous city in the country.
Factors Influencing Population Trends
Several factors are influencing this population trend. Though San Antonio’s economy has diversified, and housing remains relatively affordable compared to other major Texas cities, there are pressing challenges that may sway residents’ decisions to leave. Increasing crime rates, rising homelessness, and economic disparities are contributing to this trend, prompting some to seek more favorable conditions elsewhere.
Economic and Social Indicators
Interestingly, even as the city has seen one of the sharpest increases in median income in recent years, San Antonio still grapples with notable poverty challenges. According to recently released U.S. Census Bureau data, San Antonio ranks as the nation’s third-most impoverished metro area, with approximately 13% of residents living in poverty for the period between 2023 and 2024. This figure positions San Antonio below only Detroit and Houston among the nation’s 25 largest metropolitan areas. However, it is worth noting that the poverty rate has seen a slight decline since 2023, which could indicate potential improvement in the overall economic climate.
Conclusion
The ongoing population growth of San Antonio highlights its fundamental economic and cultural attractiveness. Nevertheless, the recent net population decline underscores the importance of addressing urban challenges. To ensure the city maintains its growth trajectory and enhances the quality of life for its residents, urgent attention to issues like crime and economic inequality is essential.
FAQ
What is the current population of San Antonio?
As of July 1, 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated San Antonio’s population at 1,526,656, making it the seventh most populous city in the nation.
Why is San Antonio experiencing a net population decline despite recent growth?
While San Antonio’s economy has diversified and housing remains more affordable compared to other major Texas cities, challenges such as rising crime rates, increased homelessness, and economic disparities may influence residents’ decisions to leave.
How does San Antonio’s poverty rate compare to other major U.S. cities?
Despite experiencing one of the sharpest upticks in median income last year, San Antonio remains the nation’s third-most impoverished metro area, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released this week. About 13% of San Antonians lived in poverty between 2023 and 2024, ranking the area below only Detroit and Houston when compared to the nation’s other 25 largest metros. Even so, the city’s poverty rate has declined slightly since 2023, according to the Census numbers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population Growth | Added approximately 23,945 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, marking it as the fourth fastest-growing city in the U.S. during that period. |
| Net Population Decline | Over the past two years, more residents have left than moved in, leading to a net population decrease. |
| Poverty Rate | Approximately 13% of San Antonians lived in poverty between 2023 and 2024, ranking the area below only Detroit and Houston among the nation’s other 25 largest metros. |
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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.
