Major U.S. Metro Areas in a Transition Period, According to Census Analysis

The nation's growth slowed from 2010 and 2020, according to 2020 Census data, and demographers are still trying to figure out what population trends mean for the future of country's major metropolitan areas.

1 minute read

June 8, 2022, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maricopa County, Arizona

f11photo / Shutterstock

William H. Frey provides insights into the growth, diversity, segregation, and aging trends in the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, as reported by the 2020 Census.

As noted by Frey, the nation’s largest metropolitan areas—with 1 million residents and more—are home to six in ten Americans, and that total is only increasing as major metro areas grew faster than smaller metro areas from 2010 to 2020.

“Moreover, the increased racial and ethnic diversity that characterized the nation is especially concentrated in major metro areas and, in particular, among their youth populations,” writes Frey.

A few other key findings from the article (which synthesizes information presented in a longer report published by Brookings Mountain West), with more detail provided in the source article below:

  • Major metro areas grew more slowly since 2010 than in several previous decades.
  • The fastest growing metro areas are in the Sun Belt
  • Cities grew faster and suburbs slower when compared to the previous decade of the 2000s.
  • All major metro areas became more racially and ethnically diverse
  • Neighborhood segregation varied by metro area
  • The youth population declined and became more diverse

“This analysis of the 2020 census makes plain that the 2010-2020 period represents a transitional decade for the nation’s major metro areas,” according to Frey. That transition “does not lead to a straightforward forecast about [metro areas’] future prospects.”

Friday, May 13, 2022 in Brookings

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Red on white 'Room for Rent, Inquire Inside' sign

In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living

Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.

May 24, 2023 - The Atlantic

Vancouver Chuck Wolfe

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown

In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

May 24, 2023 - GeekWire

Vacant storefront in historic building on Powell Street in San Francisco, California

Few Landlords Pay San Francisco Vacancy Tax

Less than 3 percent of properties potentially subject to a new vacancy tax were filed as vacant in the last year, but empty storefronts in the city persist.

June 4 - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of manufactured home being dropped off or moved by red truck in mobile home park

In Spite of Affordability Crisis, Richmond Rejects Manufactured Housing Plan

After declaring a housing crisis, the Virginia capital’s city council voted against a proposed manufactured home warehouse that would distribute replacements for aging manufactured housing stock.

June 4 - Greater Greater Washington

Graphic for '1000 Joys of Planning' with The Planning Commission Podcast

A Planning Commission Podcast Journey: The 1,000 Joys of Planning

The Commissioners explore the facets of the planning profession that fill their cups with joy.

June 4 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.