Charlotte was just ranked the #1 fastest growing city in America, according to a new report from the US Census. Charlotte grew by 20,731 people between July 2024 and July 2025, pushing the city’s estimated population to 964,784.
The surge kept Charlotte ranked as America’s 14th-largest city and moved it closer to overtaking San Jose, California, for the No. 13 spot.
Even with the massive increase, Charlotte’s growth rate slowed slightly from the previous year. The city grew 2.2% in 2025, compared to 2.8% growth the year before.
| Rank | Area Name | State Name | Numeric Increase | 2025 Total Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlotte city | North Carolina | 20,731 | 964,784 |
| 2 | Fort Worth city | Texas | 19,512 | 1,028,117 |
| 3 | San Antonio city | Texas | 14,359 | 1,548,422 |
| 4 | Celina city | Texas | 12,710 | 64,427 |
| 5 | Seattle city | Washington | 11,572 | 784,777 |
| 6 | Houston city | Texas | 11,515 | 2,397,315 |
| 7 | Fulshear city | Texas | 11,196 | 64,630 |
| 8 | Nashville-Davidson2 | Tennessee | 9,244 | 721,074 |
| 9 | Port St. Lucie city | Florida | 9,131 | 268,062 |
| 10 | McKinney city | Texas | 8,504 | 236,001 |
| 11 | Atlanta city | Georgia | 8,350 | 529,110 |
| 12 | Jacksonville city | Florida | 8,319 | 1,017,689 |
| 13 | Surprise city | Arizona | 7,702 | 175,304 |
| 14 | Columbus city | Ohio | 7,696 | 938,396 |
| 15 | Goodyear city | Arizona | 7,690 | 125,359 |
Meanwhile, several surrounding suburbs grew even faster on a percentage basis.
Fort Mill again led the region, growing 6.8% to reach nearly 39,000 residents. That ranked Fort Mill among the nation’s 20 fastest-growing midsized cities.
Census officials say midsized suburbs across the country are increasingly outpacing major cities, driven by migration, housing development, and continued movement to Southern states.
Nationally, the South dominated population growth rankings, while New York City posted the nation’s largest population decline.
The new numbers highlight what many Carolinians already experience daily: packed roads, nonstop construction, and rapid growth spreading across the Charlotte metro.
