New York, Los Angeles Lead US Population Growth Amid Affordability Challenges

New U.S. Census Bureau data for mid-2023 to mid-2024 show that New York City and Los Angeles led population growth among U.S. cities for the second consecutive year, signaling a recovery from pandemic-related losses. New York City added over 87,000 residents, while Los Angeles saw an increase of more than 31,000, a substantial rebound from minimal growth during 2021-22. However, this urban resurgence is accompanied by a growing affordability crisis, as rents and home prices in these cities have soared, requiring renters to earn over $100,000 annually in several major urban areas to afford typical rents. Reports from Zillow and the National Association of Realtors highlight that even families with incomes around $200,000 in Los Angeles can afford fewer than a third of available homes, reflecting a widening gap between housing costs and local family incomes. This trend underscores the challenges of balancing urban growth with housing affordability in America's largest cities. The data and analysis come from multiple recent reports and city planning assessments emphasizing the complex dynamics of urban recovery and economic pressures.