Fort Worth, also known as Cowtown, continues to experience an impressive population boom, positioning itself to potentially become one of the country's top 10 largest cities. According to recently released Census data, Fort Worth climbed one spot to become the 12th most populous city in the United States with a total of 978,468 residents.

The city's growth rate of 2.2% surpassed both state and national averages for major cities, outperforming popular counterparts such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Fort Worth's population increase of 21,365 residents was the second-largest in the nation, falling just slightly behind San Antonio.

Since 2013, Fort Worth has been averaging the addition of approximately 18,500 new residents per year. At this rate, the city is projected to surpass the one million person threshold by 2026, solidifying its place among the country's largest urban centers.

The Lone Star state as a whole experienced a population increase of 1.6% last year, outpacing the national growth rate of 0.5%. Of the 15 cities that witnessed the largest growth spurts, eight were in Texas, concentrated around major metropolitan areas. Fort Worth's population growth surpassed that of Dallas (0.4%), Houston (0.5%), Austin (0.5%), and San Antonio (1.5%).

Not only did the population surge in Fort Worth, but the state of Texas also saw a significant increase in housing construction. Last year, builders constructed over 260,000 new dwellings across the state, accounting for roughly 17% of all new residences nationwide. Harris, Travis, and Collin counties, in particular, experienced some of the largest housing booms in the country. While Tarrant County fell just short of making the top five, it still recorded the addition of 17,194 new homes, with a home construction rate of 2.0%, almost doubling the national average.

The combination of a rapidly expanding population and a flourishing housing market showcases Fort Worth's growth potential and economic strength. With its continuous upward trajectory, the city is poised to make a significant impact as it continues to climb the ranks of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.