New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that between 2014 and 2015 Denver was the fastest-growing city among the 50 largest U.S. cities. With a population topping 682,000, Denver ranked as the nation’s 19th largest city and recorded more than 11 percent growth over the previous five years. This rapid expansion reflects a strong local economy and increasing demand for housing, jobs, and services.
In a tie for second place were Fort Worth, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina, each posting 2.4 percent growth for the year. Seattle ranked fourth and Miami fifth. Many of these fast-growing cities share robust regional economies and expanding employment opportunities that attract new residents. Austin, Texas, which had previously led similar lists, slipped to seventh place; analysts note that much of the Austin-area growth has occurred in surrounding suburbs rather than within the city limits themselves.
The Census Bureau defines a city as having a minimum population of 50,000, a threshold that yields just under 20,000 cities nationwide. Recent nationwide population gains have been concentrated in the South and West, with five of the 11 fastest-growing large cities located in Texas. Conversely, only five of the 50 largest cities lost residents in 2015: Baltimore, Memphis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. These declines reflect a range of local challenges, including economic shifts and longtime demographic trends.
Overall, the data highlight significant regional trends: western and southern metros continue to attract the largest shares of growth, while some older industrial cities are still working to reverse population declines. The numbers underscore how job markets, housing availability, and local policies influence where people choose to live.