The population of Los Angeles increased for the third consecutive year, with the city recording the third-largest population gain among U.S. cities in 2024, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau on May 15.
As of July 2024, Los Angeles had a total population of 3,878,704, reflecting an increase of 31,276 from the previous year. After years of decline following the pandemic, the city’s population reversed course in 2022, growing to 3,832,998, followed by 3,847,428 in 2023.
The Census Bureau stated, “This is the first time since 2016 that Los Angeles has added more than 30,000 residents in a single year.”
Los Angeles Ranks 3rd in U.S. Population Gains
Among U.S. cities with populations exceeding 20,000, Los Angeles ranked third in terms of numerical population growth. Only New York (+87,184) and Houston (+43,217) added more residents.
Following Los Angeles were San Antonio, Texas (+23,945, 4th) and Fort Worth, Texas (+23,442, 5th). This marks a notable increase for Los Angeles, surpassing the growth seen in many rapidly expanding Texas cities.
Korean American Communities Show Mixed Population Trends
An analysis of Southern California cities with significant Korean American populations revealed varied trends. Irvine experienced growth, reaching a population of 318,683 in 2024, a 4% increase from 307,682 in 2020, signaling steady inflows of new residents.
However, other cities with large Korean American communities saw population declines over the past five years:
- Torrance: from 146,946 to 139,576
- Cypress: from 50,148 to 49,286
- La Cañada Flintridge: from 20,574 to 19,621
- Glendale: from 196,527 to 187,823
- Cerritos: from 49,566 to 46,851
- Buena Park: from 84,024 to 82,611
- Fullerton: from 143,645 to 140,054
Texas Cities Lead in Population Growth Rates
Nationwide, the fastest-growing city by percentage was Princeton, a small city north of Dallas, Texas, which saw its population surge 30.6% in one year to reach 37,000 residents in 2024.
Among the top ten fastest-growing cities by percentage, Texas dominated with five cities:
- Fulshear (+26.9%, 2nd)
- Celina (+18.2%, 4th)
- Anna (+14.6%, 5th)
- Fate (+11.4%, 8th)
The report attributed this trend to the relocation of major tech industry headquarters to Texas, driving population growth in these areas.
Largest U.S. Cities by Population in 2024
The fifteen most populous U.S. cities as of 2024 are:
- New York: 8,478,072
- Los Angeles: 3,878,704
- Chicago: 2,721,308
- Houston: 2,390,125
- Phoenix: 1,673,164
Other California cities in the top 15 include San Diego (1,404,452, 8th) and San Jose (997,368, 12th).
Most U.S. Cities Remain Small
Out of 19,479 administrative regions nationwide, 75% (or 14,603 cities) had populations under 5,000 as of 2024. Only 817 cities (or 4.7%) had populations exceeding 50,000.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
