Largest cities in Texas

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Texas, known for its vast landscapes and diverse cultural heritage, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 29 million, it ranks as the 2nd most populated state in the U.S. Texas has experienced rapid population growth, driven by its attractive living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, Louisiana to the east, and Mexico to the south, Texas offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 1,218 cities and towns.

Living in Texas provides residents with numerous benefits, including a low cost of living, a mild climate, and a rich cultural scene. The state's high population density in major urban areas creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, while its rural areas offer tranquility and space. Texas's economy is diverse, with strengths in energy, technology, and healthcare. The state's rapid population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Texas, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Texas cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Houston Population: 2,385,298 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 1,649 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,747 Med. Household Income: $80,788

Living in Houston, TX, often referred to as 'Space City,' offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and cosmopolitan culture. Located in southeastern Texas, Houston is a sprawling city that serves as a major hub for the energy industry. Major nearby cities like Austin and San Antonio add to its significance as a central economic and cultural center in the region. Houston's diverse population and vibrant communities make it a dynamic place to live.

San Antonio Population: 1,573,237 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 1,194 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,413 Med. Household Income: $80,765

Living in San Antonio, TX, known as 'Alamo City,' offers a rich blend of history and modernity. Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is a large city that combines cultural heritage with contemporary living. Major nearby cities like Austin and Houston enhance its status as a central hub in the region. San Antonio's blend of historical landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Dallas Population: 1,391,819 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 880 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,094 Med. Household Income: $82,096

Living in Dallas, TX, known as 'The Big D,' offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern sophistication. Located in north-central Texas, Dallas is a large city that serves as a major economic and cultural hub. Major nearby cities like Fort Worth and Arlington enhance its status as a central point in the region. Dallas's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Austin Population: 988,400 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 831 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,081 Med. Household Income: $112,352

Living in Austin, TX, known as 'The Live Music Capital of the World,' offers a vibrant cultural scene and a strong sense of community. Located in central Texas, Austin is a large city renowned for its live music venues, outdoor spaces, and tech industry. Major nearby cities like San Antonio and Houston enhance its appeal as a central hub in the region. Austin's blend of music, technology, and natural beauty creates a distinctive living experience.

Fort Worth Population: 926,371 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 893 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,687 Med. Household Income: $96,744

Living in Fort Worth, TX, known as 'Where the West Begins,' offers a unique blend of Western heritage and modern amenities. Located in north-central Texas, Fort Worth is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Dallas and Arlington enhance its status as a central point in the region. Fort Worth's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

El Paso Population: 703,663 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 667 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,734 Med. Household Income: $72,976

El Paso, TX, known as 'The Sun City,' offers a unique blend of Southwestern charm and urban amenities. Located in western Texas, El Paso is a large city that serves as a major economic and cultural hub. Major nearby cities like Las Cruces and Ciudad Juarez enhance its status as a central point in the region. El Paso's blend of cultural festivals, historic landmarks, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Arlington Population: 406,065 Livability Score: 77

Area Size: 248 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,238 Med. Household Income: $93,448

Living in Arlington, TX offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a mix of entertainment, culture, and community spirit. Known as 'The American Dream City,' Arlington is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the amenities of a big city while living in a community-oriented environment. The city is famous for its sports venues, amusement parks, and thriving arts scene.

Corpus Christi Population: 338,491 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 452 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,939 Med. Household Income: $84,116

Corpus Christi, TX, known as 'The Sparkling City by the Sea,' offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban amenities. Located in southern Texas, Corpus Christi is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Kingsville and Portland enhance its status as a central point in the region. Corpus Christi's blend of scenic beaches, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Plano Population: 297,929 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 186 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,157 Med. Household Income: $140,975

Plano, TX, known as 'The City of Excellence,' offers a unique blend of suburban charm and modern urban amenities. Located in northern Texas, Plano is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Dallas and Fort Worth enhance its status as a central point in the region. Plano's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Laredo Population: 268,554 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 270 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,580 Med. Household Income: $74,785

Laredo, TX, known as 'The Gateway City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in southern Texas, Laredo is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like San Antonio and Corpus Christi enhance its status as a central point in the region. Laredo's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Full list of the largest cities in Texas

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Houston	2,385,298	1,649	$80,788	74
2	San Antonio	1,573,237	1,194	$80,765	81
3	Dallas	1,391,819	880	$82,096	81
4	Austin	988,400	831	$112,352	82
5	Fort Worth	926,371	893	$96,744	79
6	El Paso	703,663	667	$72,976	81
7	Arlington	406,065	248	$93,448	77
8	Corpus Christi	338,491	452	$84,116	78
9	Plano	297,929	186	$140,975	84
10	Laredo	268,554	270	$74,785	73
11	Lubbock	266,541	331	$76,408	80
12	Irving	248,458	174	$98,329	79
13	Garland	245,211	148	$95,929	74
14	Amarillo	205,514	263	$78,858	66
15	Grand Prairie	198,327	187	$102,971	80
16	McKinney	195,852	173	$149,442	74
17	Frisco	195,310	176	$193,720	79
18	Brownsville	189,413	343	$59,793	79
19	Pasadena	157,942	113	$85,240	66
20	Killeen	152,944	140	$74,820	63
21	Mesquite	148,020	122	$90,096	69
22	McAllen	146,651	151	$72,662	76
23	Midland	145,324	193	$125,467	78
24	Denton	145,019	248	$92,973	88
25	Carrollton	142,475	94	$122,152	78
26	Waco	142,208	231	$60,968	74
27	Round Rock	133,597	93	$129,356	79
28	Pearland	130,314	125	$150,529	81
29	Abilene	129,386	276	$79,006	75
30	Odessa	125,590	117	$94,619	75
31	Sugar Land	123,135	90	$186,322	80
32	Richardson	121,339	74	$126,572	85
33	Beaumont	120,037	213	$70,774	64
34	College Station	118,537	132	$70,609	83
35	The Woodlands	118,070	112	$185,499	91
36	Lewisville	111,065	95	$100,919	68
37	Tyler	109,766	147	$80,671	75
38	Wichita Falls	107,943	187	$69,932	69
39	League City	107,571	133	$159,353	75
40	Allen	107,542	68	$168,147	79
41	San Angelo	104,042	155	$83,107	73
42	Edinburg	100,567	106	$76,455	64
43	Conroe	91,896	180	$91,318	74
44	Bryan	88,156	118	$70,833	76
45	New Braunfels	86,374	117	$105,281	84
46	Mission	86,021	92	$73,811	75
47	Longview	85,215	144	$75,989	73
48	Atascocita	84,337	62	$152,938	70
49	Flower Mound	81,609	109	$208,884	71
50	Pharr	80,998	61	$59,724	72

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Texas, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.