Houston was one of only a few major metros in the U.S. to see its population grow during the worst period of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to newly released Census figures. 

The nine-county Houston metro area added 69,094 new residents between July 2020 and July 2021. That took the region’s population to 7,206,841, up from 7,137,747. While a few other major metros such as Dallas, Phoenix and Atlanta also experienced gains, most including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami and Washington D.C. saw population declines. 

According to the Census Bureau: “In 2021, fewer births, an aging population and increased mortality - intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic - contributed to a rise in natural [population] decrease across the country, but particular hitting big cities the hardest.”

Here’s a breakdown of how the 12-month period affected some of the largest U.S. metros: 

• Dallas: +97,000
• Phoenix: +78,220
• Houston: +69,094
• Austin: +53,300
• Atlanta: +42,000
• Miami: -38,990
• San Francisco: -55,000
• Los Angeles: -91,000
• Chicago: -91,000
• New York City: -328,000

Learn more about the demographics of the area in Houston Facts and get information about living in Houston.