For the last several years, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Miami have been duking it out for the title of the 6th largest metro area in the U.S. And for right now, it’s official: Atlanta outranks them both. After slipping behind in July of 2024, Metro ATL’s population has rapidly increased again, leapfrogging us over Miami and D.C.’s population. Keep scrolling for the details.
Atlanta’s population growth
Atlanta has grown a LOT over the past Census period. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, between July 1st, 2024 and July 1st, 2025, Atlanta experienced the 3rd most population growth out of any metro area in the country.
Atlanta’s numeric growth in that year was 61,953 people, just after Houston (#1) and Dallas (#2), with a population increase of 126,720 people and 123,557 people, respectively.
How many people live in Metro Atlanta?
Metro Atlanta now ranks as the 6th largest U.S. metro for population, raking just after Houston. The top 10 largest metros are:
- NYC, with a population of 20,112,448
- LA, with a population of 12,844,441
- Chicago, with a population of 9,434,123
- Dallas, with a population of 8,477,157
- Houston, with a population of 7,904,627
- Atlanta, with a population of 6,482,182
- Washington D.C., with a population of 6,465,724
- Miami, with a population of 6,381,072
- Philadelphia, with a population of 6,329,118
- Phoenix, with a population of 5,228,938
Of course, this includes METRO areas, not just the city limits.
According to Urbanize Atlanta,
With latest estimates included, metro Atlanta has seen a gain of nearly 400,000 total residents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago.
Long story short… step aside, Miami and D.C.! Atlanta is back on top, where we belong! 😉
