Census data shows population declined in US metro cities

Urban population growth in the US took a significant hit last year, according to the latest Census Bureau data released yesterday.

The national average growth rate for metro areas tumbled from 1.1% in 2024 to 0.6% in 2025.

While the national population grew by 1.8 million people from July 2024 to July 2025, nine out of ten US counties recorded lower immigration levels last year than the year before.

The drop was the result of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which particularly hit southern border regions.

Laredo, Texas, which previously boasted 3.2% growth, fell to just 0.2%. Similarly, Yuma, Arizona, dropped from 3.3% to 1.4%, while El Centro, California, saw its growth go from 1.2% to -0.7%.

Even the top immigration destinations of 2024, like Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles, saw the levels plummet in 2025.

Some cities flourished
Despite the national cooldown, some regions continued to grow. Ocala, Florida, led the nation with a 3.4% growth rate, followed by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a rising retirement population.

Growth in several suburbs accelerated as remote workers moved and people sought affordable housing.