Fort Worth Overcomes Austin as Texas’ Fourth-Largest City

News Summary

As of January 1, 2024, Fort Worth has officially surpassed Austin, becoming Texas’ fourth-largest city with an estimated population of 989,878. Fort Worth’s growth rate of 7.75% from 2020 to 2024 outpaces Austin’s modest 2.6% increase. This demographic shift highlights Fort Worth’s emergence as a growing hub of activity and opportunity in Texas, while Austin has dropped out of the top ten most populous cities in the U.S.

Fort Worth Surpasses Austin in Population

Fort Worth has officially taken the lead in Texas, surpassing Austin to become the state’s fourth-largest city as of January 1, 2024. With a population now estimated at 989,878, Fort Worth is nearly 3,000 residents ahead of Austin, which has an estimated population of 986,928. This shift in rankings was highlighted in the recent report from the Texas Demographic Center, capturing data through the end of 2023.

Growth Rates Tell the Story

The numbers suggest that Fort Worth is experiencing significant growth, with an astounding 7.75% increase in population from 2020 to 2024. In contrast, Austin’s growth was much more modest, at just 2.6% during the same timeframe. This pronounced difference in growth rates has propelled Fort Worth ahead of its neighboring city.

Texas Population Landscape

When taking a broader view of Texas, it’s noteworthy that Houston holds the title of the most populous city, boasting around 2,318,657 residents. Following closely behind is San Antonio, ranked second with approximately 1,496,876 people, including a recent influx of over 62,000 new residents since the 2020 census. Dallas comes in third place, with a population near 1,308,404, reflecting a slight 0.3% growth since 2020.

Overall, the state of Texas has continued to thrive, with the total population now exceeding 30.7 million, having added around 1.6 million residents since the last census. This vibrant growth is not just confined to large cities; smaller metro areas, like New Braunfels and Georgetown, are also witnessing significant increases and distinguishing themselves as some of the fastest-growing locations in the country.

What This Means for Fort Worth

With its recent surge in residents, Fort Worth is rapidly becoming a hub of activity and opportunity. Nearly 71,000 new faces have made Fort Worth their home since the last census, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere and economic growth. This influx could lead to greater diversity, more businesses, and expanded amenities for current and future residents.

Austin’s New Ranking

Notably, Austin has fallen from its previous ranking as the 10th most populous city in the U.S. in 2023 and is no longer listed in the top ten as of the latest estimates. This shift highlights the competitive nature of population growth among major cities in Texas, with Fort Worth clearly making significant strides.

Counties in the Mix

Looking at the surrounding areas, Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, has a population of 2,104,986, claiming the fourth spot among Texas counties, while Harris County remains the largest with nearly 4.85 million residents. The competitive demographics of Texas illustrate a dynamic and shifting population landscape.

What Lies Ahead for Fort Worth

As Fort Worth continues to grow, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. The city’s upward trajectory suggests vibrant development potential, making it an attractive place for newcomers seeking a fresh start. Whether it be new job opportunities, cultural experiences, or simply a great community atmosphere, Fort Worth is proving to be one of the places to be in Texas.

All in all, this latest population data underscores the ever-changing dynamics of urban growth in the Lone Star State, capturing the essence of Texas’s appeal and its thriving communities. It will be interesting to monitor how these trends evolve in the coming years!