Texas has more than 1,200 incorporated cities ranging from Houston — the fourth-largest city in the United States — to tiny rural communities with fewer than 100 residents. The cities in Texas are as diverse as the state itself: sprawling energy hubs, tech-driven innovation centers, historic border towns, military cities, and college towns. Understanding the landscape of Texas cities helps you grasp the state’s economy, politics, and the enormous variation in how Texans actually live day to day.
The Five Largest Cities in Texas
Houston – Largest City in Texas
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, with a population exceeding 2.3 million within city limits and over 7 million in the greater metropolitan area. The city is the energy capital of the world — home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other U.S. city except New York. Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world. Additionally, the Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the nation. The city operates without zoning laws, making it one of the most economically dynamic and architecturally eclectic metros in the country.
San Antonio – Second Largest City
San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas with over 1.5 million residents and one of the fastest-growing major metros in the United States. The city is home to the Alamo — the most visited historic site in Texas — and the River Walk that winds through the downtown core. San Antonio’s economy is driven by five major military installations including Fort Sam Houston, healthcare, tourism, and a growing technology sector. Furthermore, the city has one of the strongest Mexican-American cultural traditions of any major U.S. city, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and annual calendar of events.
Dallas – Third Largest City
Dallas has over 1.3 million residents and anchors the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex — the largest inland metro in the United States with more than 7.5 million people across the region. Dallas is a major corporate headquarters city: AT&T, Toyota North America, Southwest Airlines, and dozens of other major companies base operations here. The city’s arts district is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the country. Additionally, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest in the world by passenger volume.
Austin – State Capital and Tech Hub
Austin is the capital of Texas and the fourth-largest city, with a population surpassing 1 million. It has grown faster than nearly any other major American city over the past two decades, driven by the technology sector. Apple, Tesla, Oracle, and dozens of tech companies have relocated or expanded significant operations to Austin. The University of Texas flagship campus sits at the heart of the city. Austin’s live music scene has earned it the designation “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Fort Worth – Fifth Largest City
Fort Worth has over 960,000 residents and is the fifth-largest city in Texas. Part of the DFW Metroplex, Fort Worth maintains a distinct identity rooted in Western heritage. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District still hosts twice-daily cattle drives and draws millions of tourists annually. Additionally, Fort Worth’s Cultural District contains world-class museums including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
Fastest Growing Cities in Texas
Texas dominates national lists of fastest-growing cities. Georgetown, north of Austin, has been the fastest-growing city in the United States multiple consecutive years. Frisco and Celina in the northern Dallas suburbs consistently rank near the top nationally. New Braunfels between San Antonio and Austin has also grown rapidly. The common thread: proximity to major employment centers combined with relatively affordable housing compared to coastal markets. Consequently, major employers continue to relocate headquarters and regional offices to Texas, fueling continued demand.
Other Notable Texas Cities
| City | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso | West Texas | Border city, UTEP, military bases |
| Arlington | DFW Metroplex | AT&T Stadium, Six Flags, Rangers ballpark |
| Corpus Christi | Gulf Coast | Naval Air Station, beaches, port |
| Plano | DFW suburbs | Corporate HQs, top-ranked schools |
| Laredo | South Texas | Busiest U.S. land port of entry |
| Lubbock | South Plains | Texas Tech University, cotton agriculture |
| Midland | West Texas | Permian Basin oil, 2nd-highest per capita income in U.S. |
| Amarillo | Panhandle | Cattle industry, Route 66, Big Texan Steak Ranch |
| Waco | Central Texas | Baylor University, Magnolia Market |
| Frisco | DFW suburbs | One of fastest-growing cities in America |
For geographic context on all Texas cities, read our map of Texas guide and our Texas county map to understand how cities are distributed across the state’s 254 counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cities in Texas
What are the biggest cities in Texas?
The five largest cities in Texas are Houston (2.3M+), San Antonio (1.5M+), Dallas (1.3M+), Austin (1.0M+), and Fort Worth (960,000+). Texas has four of the ten largest cities in the United States.
What is the capital city of Texas?
Austin is the capital of Texas and the seat of state government. The Texas State Capitol building is located in downtown Austin. Austin is the fourth-largest city in Texas by population.
How many cities does Texas have?
Texas has over 1,200 incorporated municipalities, more than most other U.S. states. This reflects the state’s enormous geographic size and diverse population distribution across hundreds of communities.
What is the fastest growing city in Texas?
Georgetown, Frisco, and Celina consistently rank among the fastest-growing cities in Texas and the United States, driven by proximity to major employment centers in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth.
What Texas cities have a population over 100,000?
Texas has more than 30 cities with over 100,000 residents, including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, and Midland.
