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Culture & Lifestyle • Demographics

List of United States cities by population

A ranking of U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

This list ranks United States cities by population, typically based on U.S. Census Bureau counts or estimates. It compares the size of incorporated places and other city-level jurisdictions across the country, with New York City consistently ranked first by a wide margin.

Definition and scope

This topic covers lists of U.S. cities ordered by population, usually focusing on city proper rather than metropolitan area. Because city boundaries differ widely, rankings are not always directly comparable across sources.

Methodology

Population lists may use decennial census counts, annual estimates, or data-commons style rankings. As a result, figures can differ slightly from source to source and from year to year.

Largest U.S. cities

Across the provided sources, New York City ranks first, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago. Other consistently high-ranking cities include Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and San Antonio.

Population rank is often compared with density, land area, and metropolitan population to give a fuller picture of a city's size. A city can be densely populated without having the largest total population.

Key facts

  • The list ranks U.S. cities by population using census-derived figures or estimates.
  • New York City is the most populous U.S. city in the available sources.
  • Los Angeles and Chicago are consistently the second and third most populous cities.
  • Population rankings can vary depending on whether a source uses incorporated city limits, city proper, or metropolitan/urban area definitions.
  • Washington, D.C. appears in the rankings even though it is a federal district rather than a state city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the largest U.S. city by population?
New York City is the largest U.S. city by population in the provided sources.
Which cities are usually the top three?
New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago are usually the top three U.S. cities by population.
Why do different lists show different numbers?
Lists may use different years, estimates, or boundaries, such as city proper versus metropolitan area, which changes the totals.
Does Washington, D.C. appear on these lists?
Yes. Washington, D.C. appears in the rankings even though it is a federal district, not a state city.
Are these lists based on the same definition of a city?
No. Some sources rank incorporated city limits, while others use urban areas or other administrative definitions.

References

  1. Data Commons — https://datacommons.org/ranking/Count_Person/City/country/USA
    Supports: Top U.S. city population rankings and relative ordering of major cities.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Whats-the-largest-US-city-by-population
    Supports: Largest U.S. cities and comparative population figures.
  3. City of New York — https://www.nyc.gov/assets/quadrennial/downloads/pdf/tables/Twenty-Five-Largest-US-Cities-by-Population.pdf
    Supports: Top U.S. city population table and New York City's leading rank.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population
    Supports: Example city-population ranking table and Washington, D.C. entry.
  5. Infoplease — https://www.infoplease.com/us/cities/top-50-cities-us-population-and-rank
    Supports: City population rankings and density-related context.