Census Data: Growth Trends Favor Sunbelt Cities

Although city growth continues to outpace the suburbs, the nation's three largest cities are experiencing a growth slowdown. Sunbelt cities like Austin and Orlando are picking up the slack.

1 minute read

June 6, 2015, 7:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Austin Texas

KENNY TONG / Shutterstock

New Census data tracking urban populations through July 2014 shows a steady rise in city populations, countering the suburban spike of 2000-2010. While New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago continue to grow, gains are not as rapid as they were several years ago. From the article: "Seven of the 10 largest cities and 53 of the 81 cities with over a quarter of a million population experienced reduced growth levels in the most recent year, though they still mostly exhibited growth well above their average of 2000-2010."

On the other hand, the Sunbelt appears to be back in the growth business. Among the fastest recent gainers were Austin, Texas; Orlando, Fla.; Durham, N.C.; Henderson, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas. 

In a sharp deviation from the early 2000s, primary city growth is almost on par with suburban growth this decade. In the Sunbelt, however, suburban areas have experienced larger gains than central neighborhoods. 

Thursday, May 21, 2015 in Brookings

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

5 hours ago - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

7 hours ago - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post