Largest cities in Texas

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: 2,313,238 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 1,649 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,612 Med. Household Income: $53,600

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: 1,529,133 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 1,194 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,068 Med. Household Income: $53,420

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: 1,338,846 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 880 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,942 Med. Household Income: $54,747

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: 965,872 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 831 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,019 Med. Household Income: $75,752

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: 892,221 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 893 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,560 Med. Household Income: $64,567

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: 679,879 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 667 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,631 Med. Household Income: $48,866

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: 397,269 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 248 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,145 Med. Household Income: $63,351

Arlington - The American Dream City"; echo "

Corpus Christi Population: 326,332 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 452 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,012 Med. Household Income: $57,387

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: 288,870 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 186 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,030 Med. Household Income: $96,348

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: 260,571 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 270 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,439 Med. Household Income: $51,120

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	2,313,238	1,649	$53,600	74
2	San Antonio	1,529,133	1,194	$53,420	80
3	Dallas	1,338,846	880	$54,747	81
4	Austin	965,872	831	$75,752	83
5	Fort Worth	892,221	893	$64,567	80
6	El Paso	679,879	667	$48,866	81
7	Arlington	397,269	248	$63,351	78
8	Corpus Christi	326,332	452	$57,387	80
9	Plano	288,870	186	$96,348	83
10	Laredo	260,571	270	$51,120	73
11	Lubbock	257,013	331	$51,623	78
12	Irving	240,475	174	$66,567	78
13	Garland	238,622	148	$63,192	73
14	Amarillo	199,225	263	$52,941	66
15	Grand Prairie	193,835	187	$69,171	79
16	McKinney	191,197	173	$100,775	74
17	Frisco	188,387	176	$128,761	78
18	Brownsville	182,230	343	$40,924	79
19	Pasadena	152,537	113	$57,781	66
20	Killeen	148,573	140	$50,335	63
21	McAllen	142,557	151	$49,259	75
22	Mesquite	142,429	122	$60,715	69
23	Midland	141,194	193	$83,616	78
24	Denton	139,734	248	$62,542	85
25	Waco	137,779	231	$40,349	73
26	Carrollton	137,319	94	$82,345	77
27	Round Rock	128,812	93	$86,121	80
28	Pearland	125,817	125	$102,764	81
29	Abilene	124,691	276	$52,518	75
30	Odessa	122,630	117	$63,829	74
31	Richardson	118,583	74	$85,350	84
32	Sugar Land	118,563	90	$123,261	80
33	Beaumont	117,321	213	$48,168	65
34	College Station	115,802	132	$47,456	82
35	The Woodlands	114,532	112	$126,087	91
36	Lewisville	107,740	95	$67,026	66
37	Tyler	105,859	147	$54,883	74
38	League City	105,410	133	$108,979	76
39	Wichita Falls	104,657	187	$47,335	68
40	Allen	104,040	68	$113,719	77
41	San Angelo	100,509	155	$55,682	73
42	Edinburg	97,734	106	$51,220	63
43	Conroe	88,369	180	$61,997	74
44	Bryan	85,645	118	$46,813	74
45	New Braunfels	84,622	117	$71,274	83
46	Mission	83,796	92	$49,358	74
47	Longview	82,183	144	$50,019	72
48	Atascocita	81,860	62	$103,676	69
49	Flower Mound	78,854	109	$139,703	71
50	Pharr	78,689	61	$40,513	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

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

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.