Austin gets leap-frogged by Fort Worth

Fort Worth has overtaken Austin, now ranking as Texas's fourth-largest city, as Austin's growth rate fell to 0. 4% between 2023 and 2024, the slowest among the nation’s 15 largest cities. Lila Valencia, a city demographer, attributes this decline to affordability challenges that make it difficult for residents to remain and for newcomers to settle. The post-pandemic tech downturn has further limited job growth and contributed to the stagnation. Unlike other cities with robust immigrant populations, Austin has not experienced a comparable increase in international migration.

Valencia notes that maintaining affordable living conditions is crucial for retaining residents and attracting a young workforce. The suburbs surrounding Austin are experiencing rapid growth, capitalizing on the affordability issues that plague the city itself. This demographic shift may reshape the region's economic landscape in the coming years. Local officials need to address these challenges to foster sustainable growth and maintain Austin's status as a vibrant city.