Census: Majority of fastest growing cities in U.S. are in Texas

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 The Center Square By Bethany Blankley 5/15/2026

Fort Worth, Austin surpass 1M residents, New York reports greatest population losses

Eight of the 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S. were reported in Texas, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.

Fort Worth also made history, becoming the 10th largest city in the United States.

The populations of both Fort Worth and Austin also each surpassed one million people.

While “a widespread national slowdown in population growth was reported between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025,” according to U.S. Census Bureau’s newly released Vintage 2025 population estimates, Texas cities broke records. 

The five fastest-growing cities in the country with populations of 20,000 or more were in Texas: Celina, Fulshear, Princeton, Melissa and Anna.

Celina, located near Dallas, was the fastest-growing city in the U.S. It’s population surged by 24.6% in one year. Celina was also the fastest-growing city in the country in 2023, the Census notes, saying, “Rapid growth is nothing new for Celina.”

Fulshear was not far behind, reporting a 21% population increase; Princeton’s increase was 18.1%; Melissa’s was 14.5%; Anna’s was 10.2%, according to the data.

The 15 fastest growing cities and towns in the country with populations of 20,000 or more were Celina, TX, Fulshear, TX, Princeton, TX, Melissa, TX, Anna, TX, Haines City, FL, Waukee, IA, Forney, TX, Eagle Mountain, UT, Johnstown, CO, Kuna, ID, Queen Creek, AZ, Hutto, TX, Foley, AL, and Greenville, TX.

More: https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_a8daa339-ed2a-4bea-b256-832b8d97ffe9.html