Mid-sized cities across the United States experienced steady population growth even as the nation's overall growth rate slowed, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Cities with populations between approximately 25,000 and 70,000 residents showed the strongest growth rates, particularly those located outside high-traffic metropolitan areas. The Census Bureau found that smaller cities in these population ranges outpaced their larger counterparts in residential gains.

Texas metro areas dominated the list of fastest-growing municipalities, with several small cities in major metropolitan regions leading national growth statistics. Celina, Princeton, Melissa, and Anna were identified as the top-growing cities from mid-2024 to mid-2025, all located within larger Texas metropolitan areas.

The population data reflects broader demographic shifts as Americans continue to move away from the largest urban centers toward mid-sized communities. These smaller cities often offer more affordable housing and lower costs of living while still providing access to employment opportunities in nearby major metropolitan areas.

The Census Bureau's findings highlight a continued trend of population redistribution that has been ongoing since the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work options and changing lifestyle preferences prompted many Americans to relocate from major cities to smaller communities.