CHARLOTTE, NC (LOOTPRESS) – Charlotte added more new residents in 2025 than any other city or town in the United States, according to newly released Census Bureau estimates.
The latest data shows Charlotte’s population grew by 20,731 people between July 2024 and July 2025, bringing the city’s estimated population to 964,784 residents.
Despite leading the nation in total population gains, Charlotte’s overall growth rate of 2.2% ranked No. 208 nationally among cities with at least 20,000 residents. Census officials noted that while large cities are still growing, many are seeing slower growth compared to previous years.
Charlotte remains the nation’s 14th-largest city after surpassing Columbus in 2024. The city is now about 25,000 residents away from overtaking San Jose for the No. 13 spot nationally.
The new numbers also show Charlotte’s growth slowed compared to the previous year. From 2023 to 2024, the city added an estimated 25,783 residents — a growth rate of 2.8%.
Several fast-growing communities surrounding Charlotte outpaced the city on a percentage basis, including Fort Mill, which once again led the region in growth rate.
According to the Census Bureau, midsize cities and towns are increasingly growing faster than many major metropolitan areas.
“Big-city growth slowed significantly between 2024 and 2025, with some major hubs even seeing small declines,” Census Bureau statistician Matt Erickson said in the report. “In contrast, midsized cities found a ‘Goldilocks zone’ where domestic and international migration, paired with new housing, helped prevent the sluggish growth seen in small towns and larger metropolitan centers.”
