Austin tops 1 million residents for first time

Austin has officially crossed the 1 million population mark for the first time in its history, according to new census estimates released by city officials.

The city reported a population of 1,002,632 residents in 2025, an increase of more than 4,000 people since July 2024. With the milestone, Austin now ranks as the 12th most populous city in the United States.

Mayor Kirk Watson called the moment historic, reflecting on the city’s rapid transformation since its founding in 1839. “There’s no denying now that Austin is a big city, and we have big challenges,” Watson said, adding that the city has retained its “small-town heart.”

City officials say the growth has been driven largely by domestic migration, both from other parts of Texas and across the country. Lila Valencia said strong job growth and moderating housing costs have helped sustain recent population increases.

“Crossing the threshold of one million residents is an exciting milestone,” Valencia said, noting the data aligns with trends the city has tracked since 2020.

The population milestone carries financial implications as well. Updated census figures play a key role in determining how federal funds are allocated, including billions of dollars for infrastructure, social services, and community development programs.

City leaders say the new data will help guide planning decisions as Austin continues to expand, particularly in areas such as transportation, housing, and public services.

The milestone underscores Austin’s continued emergence as a major U.S. metro, while also highlighting the challenges that come with sustained growth.