Top 10 Most Populous U.S. Cities You Should Know in 2025
Discover the top 10 most populated cities in the United States in 2025. Explore key insights about their demographics, economic growth, and what makes each city a unique place to live, work, and visit.
Andy Smith is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), licensed realtor, and educator with over 35 years of extensive experience in financial management. Specializing in personal finance, corporate finance, and real estate, he has helped thousands achieve their financial goals throughout his career.
The largest U.S. cities often correlate with significant population sizes and vibrant economic development. Population trends frequently mirror the potential for future growth and prosperity in these urban centers.
This guide highlights the 10 most populous U.S. cities as of 2023, featuring vital statistics such as median age, household income, and home values, offering a comprehensive snapshot of each city's unique profile.
Key Highlights
- Population growth and urban development are closely linked to economic expansion.
- New York City remains the most populous city in the nation.
- California boasts two cities in the top ten: Los Angeles and San Diego.
- Texas has three major cities on the list: Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
- Chicago, Phoenix, and Philadelphia complete the list of the top ten.
1. New York City
- Population: 8.26 million
- Population Change Since 2020: -5.5%
- Median Age: 38.8 years
- Median Household Income: $76,577
- Median Home Value: $743,000
- Nicknames: The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, The Melting Pot
- Top Attractions: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Broadway, Times Square
2. Los Angeles
- Population: 3.82 million
- Population Change Since 2020: -1.92%
- Median Age: 37.2 years
- Median Household Income: $79,701
- Median Home Value: $919,900
- Nicknames: L.A., La-La Land, City of Angels
- Top Attractions: Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard
3. Chicago
- Population: 2.66 million
- Population Change Since 2020: -2.88%
- Median Age: 36.4 years
- Median Household Income: $74,474
- Median Home Value: $318,900
- Nicknames: The Windy City, The City of Big Shoulders, The Second City
- Top Attractions: Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Navy Pier
U.S. Population Overview
As of 2023, the United States has an estimated population of 334.9 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
4. Houston
- Population: 2.30 million
- Population Change Since 2020: +0.65%
- Median Age: 33.9 years
- Median Household Income: $60,440
- Median Home Value: $235,000
- Nicknames: Space City, H-Town, The Big Heart
- Top Attractions: Space Center Houston, Hermann Park, Houston Zoo
5. Phoenix
- Population: 1.65 million
- Population Change Since 2020: +2.33%
- Median Age: 34.9 years
- Median Household Income: $79,644
- Median Home Value: $441,300
- Nicknames: Valley of the Sun, The Valley
- Top Attractions: Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, South Mountain Park/Preserve
6. Philadelphia
- Population: 1.55 million
- Population Change Since 2020: -3.13%
- Median Age: 35.6 years
- Median Household Income: $60,302
- Median Home Value: $246,600
- Nicknames: Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, The Birthplace of America, The Quaker City
- Top Attractions: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art
7. San Antonio
- Population: 1.5 million
- Population Change Since 2020: +1.2%
- Median Age: 33.9 years
- Median Household Income: $55,084
- Median Home Value: $167,700
- Nicknames: Alamo City, Countdown City, River City
- Top Attractions: The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Largest Cities Worldwide
Tokyo leads as the world's largest city with over 37 million residents in 2024, followed by Delhi, India with 33.8 million, and Shanghai, China with 29.8 million. While Tokyo is the most populous, New York City covers a larger land area.
8. San Diego
- Population: 1.39 million
- Population Change Since 2020: +0.15%
- Median Age: 36 years
- Median Household Income: $105,780
- Median Home Value: $923,900
- Nicknames: America’s Finest City, City in Motion, Silicon Beach
- Top Attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum
9. Dallas
- Population: 1.30 million
- Population Change Since 2020: -0.03%
- Median Age: 33.5 years
- Median Household Income: $70,121
- Median Home Value: $329,700
- Nicknames: City of Hate, D-Town, The Metroplex
- Top Attractions: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Klyde Warren Park, The Dallas World Aquarium
10. Jacksonville, Florida
- Population: 985,837
- Population Change Since 2020: +3.57%
- Median Age: 36.9 years
- Median Household Income: $68,069
- Median Home Value: $312,400
- Nicknames: The Bold City, Jax, Gateway to Florida
- Top Attractions: Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Riverside Arts Market, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Demographic Shifts in Major U.S. Cities
Since 2010, demographic and migration patterns in large American cities have shifted notably. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work, enabling many residents to relocate to suburbs or more affordable regions without sacrificing their careers.
While some tech firms maintain remote work policies, others are adopting hybrid models, influencing population changes. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have experienced slight population declines since 2020, whereas Sun Belt cities such as Phoenix, San Antonio, and Jacksonville have seen growth due to affordability and favorable climates.
Summary of Largest U.S. Cities by Population
The top ten most populous U.S. cities in 2024 are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and Jacksonville.
Largest U.S. City by Population
New York City leads as the most populous city with 8.26 million residents as per 2023 data.
Largest U.S. City by Land Area
Sitka, Alaska is the largest city by area in the United States, covering 2,874 square miles.
Comparing U.S. and Global Largest Cities
Though New York City is the largest in the U.S., Tokyo surpasses it globally with a population exceeding 37 million.
Final Thoughts
Population size often reflects a city's economic vitality, but factors like cost of living heavily influence livability. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego are known for high living costs, whereas Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas offer more affordable options relative to household incomes.
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