Austin joins 1-million club as booming growth transforms the city

Photo credit: KUT.org

AUSTIN — The U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday that Austin’s city population reached 1,002,632 in 2025, placing the capital city among a small group of U.S. cities with more than one million residents.

The Census Bureau released the updated figures for incorporated cities, which show Austin crossed the million-resident threshold after years of growth. City demographers said Austin surpassed that mark earlier based on local estimates, but federal data confirmed the milestone this year.

Austin City Demographer Lila Valencia said the population increase reflects continued economic expansion and long-term growth trends in the city.

The census figures show Austin’s city population has increased 4.6% since 2020, when it stood at 958,151, according to federal data. Valencia said earlier federal estimates did not fully capture population changes during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

City officials said the growth brings increased tax revenue and business activity but also adds pressure on housing, transportation, and public services.

Mayor Kirk Watson said the city continues to face infrastructure and affordability challenges alongside its population growth.

Austin joins Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth as Texas cities with populations above one million.

The Census Bureau data does not include demographic breakdowns such as age, race, or gender. Additional population estimates are expected to be released later this year.

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