Top 100 Largest U.S. Cities by Population in 2025
(Ranked by City-Proper Population – Latest Estimates)
Based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates (released May 2025) and adjusted projections for 2025 from World Population Review (December 2025 update), here's the definitive ranking of the 100 largest U.S. cities by population within municipal boundaries (not metro areas). This reflects net changes from July 2024 to July 2025, with Southern cities dominating growth amid migration trends.
"City proper" excludes suburbs - e.g., NYC's 8.5M vs. its 20M metro. Total U.S. urban pop over 100k: ~96M (29% of nation). Fastest growers: Texas/Florida (e.g., Princeton, TX +30.6%). Decliners: Northeast (e.g., NYC -0.9%).
Methodology & Sources
- Data: U.S. Census Vintage 2024 (May 2025 release) + World Population Review 2025 projections (accounting for births, deaths, migration).
- Ranking: Population as of July 1, 2025 estimate.
- Growth: 2024–2025 % change.
- Disclaimer: Estimates; final 2030 Census may vary. Excludes territories like San Juan, PR.
Key Insights for 2025
- Sun Belt Surge: Texas (e.g., Austin +1.9%, Fort Worth +2.3%) and Florida (Jacksonville +2.1%, Orlando +2.2%) lead growth; 7 of top 15 fastest are there.
- Decline in Legacy Cities: NYC (-0.9%), Chicago (-1.1%), Philly (-0.6%) lose residents to affordability.
- New Millionaires: Jacksonville and Fort Worth crossed 1M in 2024–25; now 11 cities over 1M.
- Density Leaders: NYC (27k/sq mi), SF (18k), Boston (13k).
- Total Over 100k Cities: 342 (up from 333 in 2020).
Top 100 Largest U.S. Cities by Population (2025)
New York City, New York
The Big Apple — Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park. Most densely populated city in America.
Wikipedia →Los Angeles, California
Hollywood, beaches, tech scene — entertainment capital of the world.
Wikipedia →Chicago, Illinois
Windy City — skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, O’Hare hub.
Wikipedia →Houston, Texas
Energy capital, NASA, most diverse large city in America.
Wikipedia →Phoenix, Arizona
Fastest-growing top-10 city; desert sun + tech jobs.
Wikipedia →Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Liberty Bell city; historic core + healthcare hub.
Wikipedia →Jacksonville, Florida
Largest by land area in contiguous U.S. (840 sq mi).
Wikipedia →