Top 10 Largest Cities in the US by Population
According to the US Census, the current population of the United States in 2019 sits around 330 million, with much of that population moving to urban areas. The top 10 cities in the US by population make up nearly 8% of the entire population. While the Northeast and Midwest used to dominate the list of largest American cities, most of the top 10 are now in the Southwest and West. However, it will be difficult for any city to ever catch New York at the top of the rankings, as the Big Apple has been America’s largest city since the first US census in 1790 and is larger than Los Angeles and Chicago combined.
Here are the 10 largest US cities by population according to US Census estimates from July 2020:
| Rank | City, State | Population (as of July 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, New York | 8,398,748 |
| 2 | Los Angeles, CA | 3,990,456 |
| 3 | Chicago, IL | 2,705,999 |
| 4 | Houston, TX | 2,325,502 |
| 5 | Phoenix, AZ | 1,660,272 |
| 6 | Philadelphia, PA | 1,584,138 |
| 7 | San Antonio, TX | 1,532,233 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | 1,425,976 |
| 9 | Dallas, TX | 1,345,047 |
| 10 | San Jose, CA | 1,013,119 |
In this video, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 largest cities in the US by population and just wait till you see the number one city that we’re going to be showing in this video – something you would have never even thought of, so make sure you watch till the end.
Number 10: San Jose, California – 1,013,119
San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area city has continued to grow over the past few years. However, with an increasingly high cost of living, that growth may begin to slow down. Still, as the unofficial capital of the tech industry, San Jose has a lot going for it. Tech companies with headquarters in San Jose include Samsung, eBay, PayPal, and Adobe.
Number 9: Dallas, Texas – 1,345,047
Big D, Dallas continues to be a hub for economic activity, although it is not the largest city in Texas, Dallas is the largest city in the massive DFW metroplex. Unfortunately, Dallas has a bit of a dark history as it was the location of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, since that fateful day in 1963, the city has rebounded to become one of America’s corporate hubs. Major corporations with headquarters in the city include AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. The craft brewery scene has also become a huge draw for many to visit the DFW area.
Number 8: San Diego, California – 1,425,976
America’s Finest City, sometimes called America’s Finest City, San Diego is known for having one of the best climates in the country with its location on the Pacific coast. San Diego is a hub for military activity, especially the Navy. Additionally, San Diego is home to three prominent universities: University of California San Diego, University of San Diego, and San Diego State University. Located just miles from the Mexican border, San Diego is known for having some of the most Mexican cuisine in the US. Major Number 7: San Antonio, Texas – 1,532,233
San Antonio is the third largest city in Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States. It is known for its rich history, including being the site of the Alamo and the Battle of the Alamo. San Antonio is also home to the Alamo itself, a historic mission that has become a symbol of freedom and independence. The city is also known for its thriving live music scene, with venues like the Alamo City Music Hall and the Palladium hosting a variety of concerts and performances. Major corporations with headquarters in San Antonio include Valero Energy Corporation, United Technologies Corporation, and H-E-B.
Number 6: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 1,584,138
Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States, is the sixth largest city in the United States. It is known for its rich history, including being the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Philadelphia is also home to the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom. The city is also known for its rich cultural scene, with attractions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. Major corporations with headquarters in Philadelphia include Comcast, PPL Corporation, and Aramark.
Number 5: Phoenix, Arizona – 1,660,272
Phoenix, the capital of the Sunshine State, is the fifth largest city in the United States. It is known for its diverse culture, including its large Hispanic population. Phoenix is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the famous red rocks of Sedona. The city is also home to the Phoenix Suns, a professional basketball team. Major corporations with headquarters in Phoenix include GoDaddy, Avnet, and Banner Health.
Number 4: Houston, Texas – 2,325,502
Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States, is known for its diverse culture and vibrant nightlife. Houston is also home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, where many of the United States’ space missions are planned and executed. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including its famous barbecue. Major corporations with headquarters in Houston include ExxonMobil, Chevron, and H-E-B.
Number 3: Chicago, Illinois – 2,705,999
Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, is known for its rich history, including being the site of the first World’s Fair. Chicago is also known for its skyline, including the iconic Willis Tower and the Hancock Center. The city is also home to the world-famous Chicago Bulls basketball team. Major corporations with headquarters in Chicago include McDonald’s, Boeing, and Allstate.
Number 2: Los Angeles, California – 3,990,456
Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, is known for its diverse culture and thriving entertainment industry. LA is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Venice Beach and Malibu. The city is also home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two of the most successful sports teams in the United States. Major corporations with headquarters in Los Angeles include Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and AEG.
Number 1: New York, New York – 8,398,748
New York, the largest city in the United States, is known for its rich history, including being the site of the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center. New York is also known for its diverse culture, including its large immigrant population. The city is also home to the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, and the New York Knicks, three of the most successful sports teams in the United States. Major corporations with headquarters in New York include IBM, Verizon, and Citigroup.