Major Cities Are Growing and Reversing the Pandemic Exodus Trend—Here’s Why

Major metros like New York City, Houston, Dallas, and Miami have seen an influx of new residents, largely in part due to international immigrants putting down roots in these cities.

Population growth in U.S. metro areas was overall faster from 2023 to 2024, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The report also states that some cities that experienced an exodus of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic are now seeing people flock back.

However, the U.S. Census Bureau's findings cite that the collective increase in population across metro areas was largely due to international migration.

"Increasingly, population growth in metro areas is being shaped by international migration," said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Census Bureau’s population division. "While births continue to contribute to overall growth, rising net international migration is offsetting the ongoing net domestic outmigration we see in many of these areas."

From 2023 to 2024, the number of people living in a U.S. metro area grew by nearly 3.2 million, to 293.9 million people, about a 1.1% increase.

For further perspective, this population growth in major metros from '23 to '24 was faster than the year prior, 2022 to 2023. That increase was only 0.9%, or 2.6 million people.

"Economic opportunities attract big-city movers, especially as many companies return to the office," says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®.

"During the pandemic, companies moved toward remote-first or remote-only working models, which allowed many big-city dwellers to move out to more affordable locales. However, workers have increasingly returned to the office, driving many to move back to the city.

"Though healthy, the job market has cooled significantly in recent months, meaning that the best option for many is to adhere to new working modes in order to stay in their job."

The U.S. Census Bureau used the Population Estimates Program with current data on births, deaths, and migration to calculate population change since the most recent decennial census (2020 census) and produce an annual time series of estimates of population.

The following metro areas saw the largest growth:

1. New York/Newark/Jersey City, NY-NJ

This metropolitan area is considered a melting pot of people. Newark and Jersey City, NJ, are both located just across the Hudson River from New York City. People have moved to New Jersey for a slightly cheaper cost of living while still having convenient access to the Big Apple.

• April 1, 2020, population: 20,083,412

• July 1, 2023, population: 19,726,871

• July 1, 2024, population: 19,940,274

• Increase: 213,403 people

2. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

These three metros make up the Greater Houston area. Houston, with access to Galveston Bay, allows for shipping and trade. The Space Center, located in Houston, has provided a bevy of jobs. Adjacent to Houston is Pasadena, which at one time was called the Strawberry Capital of the World. While it still holds an annual strawberry festival, the city has grown into a vibrant suburb. Meanwhile, about 28 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands community offers the best of the outdoors, from hiking trails to world-class golf.

• April 1, 2020, population: 7,150,233

• July 1, 2023, population: 7,598,011

• July 1, 2024, population: 7,796,182

• Increase: 198,171

3. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Everything is done big in the Lone Star State, and another Texas metro is in the top spot when it comes to a population increase. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area is home to winning professional sporting teams, art, culture, and top-rated restaurants.

• April 1, 2020, population: 7,638,258

• July 1, 2023, population: 8,166,110

• July 1, 2024, population: 8,344,032

• Increase: 177,922

4. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL

During the pandemic, people flocked to Florida, and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area continues to see its population increase. This area offers real estate at every level—from rentals to luxury condos.

• April 1, 2020, population: 6,138,357

• July 1, 2023, population: 6,334,517

• July 1, 2024, population: 6,457,988

• Increase: 123,471

5. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

The revolving door of the political landscape sees people moving in and out of the Washington, DC, area year after year. Residents rooted in and around our nation's capital know what the area has to offer. Adjacent Arlington and Alexandria, VA, offer the suburban lifestyle with accessibility to downtown DC.

• April 1, 2020, population: 6,278,595

• July 1, 2023, population: 6,345,881

• July 1, 2024, population: 6,436,489

• Increase: 90,608

6. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ

This desert oasis has seen a significant population rise. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is known for high-end spas and world-class golf. While Mesa, just east of Phoenix, offers housing that's slightly cheaper, but still reaps the benefits of the city.

• April 1, 2020, population: 4,851,322

• July 1, 2023, population: 5,102,020

• July 1, 2024, population: 5,186,958

• Increase: 84,938

7. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL

Orlando, home to Disney World, has seen its share of growth as the area is pushing a population of 3 million people. While not located along the Florida coastline, these inland cities offer affordable housing and warm weather.

• April 1, 2020, population: 2,673,387

• July 1, 2023, population: 2,864,544

• July 1, 2024, population: 2,940,513

• Increase: 75,969

8. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Atlanta is the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including The Home Depot and Coca-Cola. The city's suburban neighbors, Sandy Springs and Roswell, both offer historic charm and plenty of green space.

• April 1, 2020, population: 6,106,805

• July 1, 2023, population: 6,336,015

• July 1, 2024, population: 6,411,149

• Increase: 75,134

9. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Chicago is right along Lake Michigan, but many residents find it cheaper to live in the nearby suburb of Elgin or Naperville, while still having access to downtown.

• April 1, 2020, population: 9,454,363

• July 1, 2023, population: 9,337,814

• July 1, 2024, population: 9,408,576

• Increase: 70,762

10. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Rounding out the list is the Seattle metro, including Tacoma and Bellevue. Located along the Puget Sound, this Pacific Northwest metro has access to beaches on one side and mountains to the other. It's also home to Microsoft and Amazon. Though the weather can be rainy, the strong job market and transportation in the city are a plus.

• April 1, 2020, population: 4,018,783

• July 1, 2023, population: 4,078,828

• July 1, 2024, population: 4,145,494

• Increase: 66,666