The Biggest Cities in US are not just the largest by population and area, they also represent the diverse culture, economy, and lifestyle of America. From the iconic skyline of New York City to the sunny streets of Los Angeles, these cities play a significant role in shaping the country’s identity.
In this guide, we will explore the Biggest Cities in US, highlighting key facts and interesting features that make each one unique. With over 8.5 million residents, New York City is the largest city in the US. Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose, CA, are some of the other biggest cities in the US. Keep reading to learn more about these major urban centers.
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What are the Biggest Cities in US by Population?
The United States is home to some of the biggest and most vibrant cities in the world. These biggest cities in the US are well known for their large populations, strong economies, and rich cultures. Each city has something special to offer, whether it’s business, entertainment, or unique experiences.
People from all over the world are drawn to these cities for work, living, and exploring. Here is a list of the largest cities in US.
List of Biggest Cities in US by Population
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Houston
- Phoenix
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- San Antonio, Texas
- San Diego, California
- Dallas, Texas
- Jacksonville, Florida
Now that you have an idea of the five biggest cities in the US by population, let’s take a detailed look at five largest cities of US individually.
New York – The city that never sleeps
New York is one of the biggest cities in the US. With a population of approximately 8.6 million people, this largest city in the US comprises five boroughs i.e., Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. These are the fantastic places to stay in New York during your academic journey. Be sure to check out the fantastic beaches and discover some of the incredible cafes in New York here.
It is also considered as a global hub for finance, media, and culture. Some of the iconic landmarks in this one of the largest cities in the USA include Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Some of the safest cities in New York for international students include Rye, Suffern, Sleepy Hollow, Airmont, Harrison, Scarsdale, Rye Brook, Great Neck, Glens Falls, Glen Cove, New Rochelle, Long Beach, and Dobbs Ferry.
| Population | 8.34 million |
| Population Change Since 2020 | -4.6% |
| Median Age | 38.4 years |
| Median Household Income | USD 76,607 |
| Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units | USD 732,100 |
| Nicknames | The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, The Melting Pot |
| Prominent Tourist Attractions | Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Broadway, Times Square |
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the USA. With approximately 4 million population, Los Angeles is renowned for its entertainment industry. From beautiful beaches, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach to cultural institutions like the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles is renowned for reflecting its dynamic character.
| Population | 3.82 million |
| Population Change Since 2020 | -1.89% |
| Median Age | 37.1 years |
| Median Household Income | USD 76,244 |
| Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units | USD 822,600 |
| Nicknames | L.A., La-La Land, City of Angels |
| Prominent Tourist Attractions | Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard |
Chicago- The Windy City
Chicago is another one of the biggest cities in the USA. From architectural innovation to a vibrant art scene, this beautiful and biggest city in the USA will never disappoint you. Chicago is also famous for its deep-dish pizza and jazz music heritage. It is also home to several prestigious institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park, and many more.
| Population | 2.7 million |
| Population Change Since 2020 | -1.8% |
| Median Age | 35.8 years |
| Median Household Income | USD 65,781 |
| Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units | USD 297,300 |
| Prominent Tourist Attractions | Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Navy Pier |
Houston, Texas
Houston, the largest city in Texas and one of the biggest cities in the USA is renowned as a hub for technology and space exploration. With approximately 2.3 million population, Houston is the major player in the energy sector particularly oil and gas. This biggest city in the USA is home to four separate state universities including the University of Houston-Downtown and the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
| Population | 2.3 million |
| Population Change Since 2020 | -0.6% |
| Median Age | 33.7 years |
| Median Household Income | USD 56,019 |
| Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units | USD 200,700 |
| Nicknames | Space City, H-Town, The Big Heart |
| Prominent Tourist Attractions | Space Center Houston, Hermann Park, Houston Zoo |
Phoenix
Phoenix is another one of the biggest cities in the USA. It is renowned for its desert landscapes and scorching temperatures. The city is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Heard Museum. It is also home to unique flora with a focus on Native American art and culture, and the Desert Botanical Garden. This biggest city in the USA is a preferable choice for international students with home to 23 educational institutions like the University of Phoenix.
| Population | 1.6 million |
| Population Change Since 2020 | +1% |
| Median Age | 34.5 years |
| Median Household Income | USD 64,927 |
| Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units | USD 352,600 |
| Nicknames | Valley of the Sun, The Valley |
| Prominent Tourist Attractions | Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, South Mountain Park/Preserve |
Also Read:
5 Largest Cities in U.S. by Land Area
City size is usually measured by population, but in the United States, land area is also important due to its vast size and the mix of urban and rural areas. Four of the largest cities in U S are in southern Alaska. Anchorage, which ranks 4th in size, is more than twice as large as the next largest city outside the state. Alaska, the largest state in the U.S., covers 665,384 square miles. Here are five of the largest cities in the United States by land area:
- Sitka, AK (2,870.3 mi²)
- Juneau, AK (2,701.9 mi²)
- Wrangell, AK (2,542.5 mi²)
- Anchorage, AK (1,704.7 mi²)
- Jacksonville, FL (747 mi²)
Largest Cities in U.S. by State
Each largest state in U.S. has its own characteristics. Some states, like California and Texas, have many large cities, while others, like Delaware and Maine, have fewer. The largest city in each state is based on its population and location. The table below shows the largest city in each state, along with its population and location.
| Sr/No | U.S. STATE | LARGEST CITY | POPULATION (Estimated) |
| 1 | Alabama | Birmingham | 209,403 |
| 2 | Alaska | Anchorage | 298,695 |
| 3 | Arizona | Phoenix | 1,608,139 |
| 4 | Arkansas | Little Rock | 202,591 |
| 5 | California | Los Angeles | 3,898,747 |
| 6 | Colorado | Denver | 727,211 |
| 7 | Connecticut | Bridgeport | 148,654 |
| 8 | Delaware | Wilmington | 70,166 |
| 9 | Florida | Jacksonville | 937,934 |
| 10 | Georgia | Atlanta | 496,461 |
| 11 | Hawaii | Honolulu | 345,510 |
| 12 | Idaho | Boise | 237,446 |
| 13 | Illinois | Chicago | 2,696,555 |
| 14 | Indiana | Indianapolis | 882,039 |
| 15 | Iowa | Des Moines | 212,031 |
| 16 | Kansas | Wichita | 395,699 |
| 17 | Kentucky | Louisville | 628,549 |
| 18 | Louisiana | New Orleans | 376,971 |
| 19 | Maine | Portland | 68,313 |
| 20 | Maryland | Baltimore | 576,498 |
| 21 | Massachusetts | Boston | 654,776 |
| 22 | Michigan | Detroit | 632,464 |
| 23 | Minnesota | Minneapolis | 425,336 |
| 24 | Mississippi | Jackson | 149,761 |
| 25 | Missouri | Kansas City | 508,394 |
| 26 | Montana | Billings | 117,445 |
| 27 | Nebraska | Omaha | 487,300 |
| 28 | Nevada | Las Vegas | 646,790 |
| 29 | New Hampshire | Manchester | 115,462 |
| 30 | New Jersey | Newark | 307,220 |
| 31 | New Mexico | Albuquerque | 562,599 |
| 32 | New York | New York City | 8,467,513 |
| 33 | North Carolina | Charlotte | 879,709 |
| 34 | North Dakota | Fargo | 126,748 |
| 35 | Ohio | Columbus | 906,528 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | 687,725 |
| 37 | Oregon | Portland | 641,162 |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | 1,576,251 |
| 39 | Rhode Island | Providence | 189,692 |
| 40 | South Carolina | Charleston | 156,313 |
| 41 | South Dakota | Sioux Falls | 207,099 |
| 42 | Tennessee | Nashville | 678,851 |
| 43 | Texas | Houston | 2,288,250 |
| 44 | Utah | Salt Lake City | 199,142 |
| 45 | Vermont | Burlington | 42,284 |
| 46 | Virginia | Virginia Beach | 450,189 |
| 47 | Washington | Seattle | 753,675 |
| 48 | West Virginia | Charleston | 50,821 |
| 49 | Wisconsin | Milwaukee | 594,833 |
| 50 | Wyoming | Cheyenne | 65,132 |
How Does the Biggest Cities in the US Compare to the Biggest City in the World?
When comparing the biggest cities in the US to the biggest city in the world, it’s important to consider multiple factors like population size, area, infrastructure, and cultural influence. The biggest city in the US is New York City, with a population of over 8.5 million people. It’s a major hub for culture, finance, and media. On the other hand, the biggest city in the world is Tokyo, Japan, with a population of about 37 million people in its metropolitan area. Tokyo is much larger in terms of population compared to New York.
In terms of size, New York City covers about 302 square miles, while Tokyo spans around 2,194 square miles, making it significantly larger in terms of land area. Both cities are influential globally, but Tokyo is much more populated and spread out, while New York stands as the largest and most influential city in the United States.
FAQs on the Biggest Cities in the US
The biggest cities in the USA are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose.
The biggest cities in the USA are cultural hubs, representing diversity, art, and innovation. For example, New York City is known for its theaters, museums, and international influence, while Los Angeles is the heart of the global entertainment industry.
New York City is the biggest city in the USA by population, with approximately 8.6 million residents. It is renowned for its global influence in finance, media, and culture.
Each city has its own major industries: New York City is a financial hub, Los Angeles is known for entertainment and tech, Chicago is a center for commerce and manufacturing, Houston is a leader in energy and healthcare, and Phoenix has a strong presence in technology and real estate.
The key attractions in New York City include Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway theatres, the Empire State Building, and museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History.
Los Angeles is renowned as the entertainment capital of the world. It is home to Hollywood and a major centre for film and television production. It also features diverse neighbourhoods, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant arts scene.
Chicago is famous for its architectural innovation, with landmarks such as the Willis Tower. It’s also known for its deep-dish pizza, jazz and blues music, and cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park.
New York City’s large population, diverse culture, economic importance, and status as a global hub for finance, fashion, and entertainment make it the largest and most influential city in the U.S.
Los Angeles, California, is the second-largest city in the USA, known for its entertainment industry, including Hollywood, and its large, diverse population.
Yes, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are known for their high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. However, cities like Houston and Phoenix may offer more affordable living options.
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