COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) – Columbus is among the American cities that saw the largest population increases from 2023 to 2024, according to recently released census data. 

The United States Census Bureau released new population data last week, finding cities of all sizes grew on average from 2023 to 2024, with those in the Southern and Western regions of the country experiencing the most growth. 

The government agency revealed a list of the 15 cities that saw the largest numerical population increases between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024. Columbus ranked at No. 14, gaining 12,694 residents during the year-long period. 

The cities that experienced the most population growth were New York, with an increase of 87,184 residents, followed by Houston (43,217), Los Angeles (31,276), San Antonio (23,945) and Fort Worth (23,442). 

Columbus also made the list of the overall most populated cities in the country, coming in at No. 15, with a population of 933,263 as of July. The city fell one spot from its ranking of No. 14 in last year’s report and was surpassed by Charlotte, North Carolina (943,476). 

The most populated cities in the country were New York (8.4 million), Los Angeles (3.8 million), Chicago (2.7 million), Houston (2.3 million) and Phoenix (1.6 million).

When it came to the 15 fastest-growing cities — or those that saw the largest percentage increases — Columbus did not make the list, nor did any Ohio city. The top five fastest-growing cities were Princeton, Texas, which saw a 30.6% population increase, followed by Fulshear, Texas (26.9%), Leesburg, Florida (18.5%), Celina, Texas (18.2%) and Anna, Texas (14.6%).