Latest American Community Survey: Continued Growth for (Some) Cities

According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census 2013 American Community Survey (ACS), Americans continue to move into cities en masse over suburbs, but certain cities are attracting larger crowds than others.

2 minute read

October 10, 2014, 10:00 AM PDT

By Maayan Dembo @DJ_Mayjahn


Greg Toppo and Paul Overberg took apart the ACS numbers as they related to population growth in cities and suburbs in a recent article in USA Today. They found some unprecedented growth in certain historically smaller cities, such as San Jose, California, which "is poised to crack the million-resident milestone for the first time. It is the 10th-largest city, surpassing its neighbor San Francisco, as well as places like Austin, Indianapolis and Jacksonville." In addition, Toppo and Overberg found that modest growth was also sustained throughout Sun Belt cities, which were booming before the recession hit.

Other cities, like slow-growing Boston, "saw its overall ranking drop sharply last year as three cities — Seattle, Denver and Washington — crept past it. The trio charged ahead with above-average growth rates topping 2%, the figures show. Overall, the USA grew at a rate of just 0.7%, the lowest since just after the Great Depression. By contrast, Seattle last year grew 2.8%."

However, some cities are still seeing falling populations backed by the ACS data, supporting trends associated with post-industrial economies, such as Baltimore. As Toppo and Overberg write, "Baltimore, once among the most populous cities in the USA, is seeing little to no growth and has lost 4.2% of its population since 2000. If current trends continue, Baltimore will be surpassed next year by Oklahoma City, which is riding an oil and natural gas drilling boom."

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit