Columbus Drops to 15th Largest U.S. City as Charlotte Surges Ahead
Columbus, Ohio – After holding the 14th spot for eight years, Columbus drops to 15th largest U.S. city, according to the latest 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The shift comes as Charlotte, North Carolina, experiences a faster growth rate and surpasses Columbus in total population.
As of July 1, 2024, Columbus had an estimated 933,263 residents, reflecting a 1.4% increase (12,694 new residents) over the previous year. Meanwhile, Charlotte saw a more substantial growth of 23,423 residents, bringing its total to 943,476.
Central Ohio Growth Still Strong
Despite the drop in national ranking, Columbus and the broader Central Ohio region continue to grow steadily:
- Franklin County reached 1,356,303 residents, up by 17,400 people.
- The Columbus metropolitan area—which spans 10 counties—added 30,348 residents, totaling 2,225,377 people.
Why Columbus Remains a Population Leader
Columbus’ surprisingly high population ranking is due in part to its historical annexation policies, which allowed it to incorporate large portions of suburban Franklin County. As a result, it remains the second-largest city in the Midwest, trailing only Chicago, and ahead of cities like Detroit and Minneapolis.
Columbus Defies Ohio’s Population Trends
While the rest of Ohio may be facing long-term population decline, Columbus is growing. The Ohio Department of Development predicts a statewide population drop of 675,000 by 2050. However, projections from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) show that the Columbus region could gain up to 726,000 people by 2050—with possibilities ranging from 1.6 million new residents to a slight population decline, depending on future trends.
Columbus may have slipped one place in national rankings, but its growth trajectory, economic strength, and regional development tell a story of continued momentum.
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