Biggest Cities in Texas

Texas has four of the ten largest cities in the United States and a collection of fast-growing metros that are reshaping the country's economic and demographic landscape.

Houston — 2.3 million (city); 7.3 million (metro). The largest city in Texas and fourth-largest in the US. Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America — no racial or ethnic group holds a majority. It's home to the Texas Medical Center (the world's largest), a major port, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and a thriving energy industry. Houston has no formal zoning code — one of the only major American cities without one — resulting in a notably eclectic urban landscape.

San Antonio — 1.5 million (city); 2.6 million (metro). The second-largest city in Texas by population, though smaller than Dallas in metro terms. Home to the Alamo, SeaWorld, and one of the country's finest urban waterways in the River Walk. San Antonio has a majority-Hispanic population and deep military ties — five active military installations are in the metro area.

Dallas — 1.3 million (city); 7.8 million (metro). The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metro area in Texas and the fourth-largest in the US. Dallas is the financial, commercial, and cultural hub of North Texas. Fort Worth, its western twin, has its own distinct identity centered on the historic Stockyards and a growing arts district.

Austin — 978,000 (city); 2.4 million (metro). The state capital and the fastest-growing large city in Texas. Home to the University of Texas (50,000+ students), a world-class live music scene, and a booming tech economy. Austin grew by roughly 33% between 2010 and 2020.

El Paso — 678,000 (city); 870,000 (metro). The westernmost major Texas city, separated from the rest of the state by hundreds of miles of desert. El Paso and Juárez, Mexico (across the Rio Grande) form a binational metro of about 2.7 million people — one of the largest on any international border.

Fort Worth — 960,000. Now technically larger than Austin by city population, Fort Worth is the Cowtown of Texas — home to the National Cowgirl Museum, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and one of the country's best-regarded museum districts.