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Aerial View of Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth has emerged as one of the nation’s top-performing large cities for economic growth, outpacing Dallas in several key areas between 2019 and 2023, according to a report.
According to analysis posted on Coworking Cafe, Fort Worth ranked among the top five large U.S. cities for overall growth, fueled by a 36% jump in GDP, a 40% increase in exports, 12% growth in housing and a 9% rise in educational attainment. Major expansions by Texas A&M and TCU, along with new innovation hubs, have strengthened Fort Worth’s workforce pipeline and positioned it as a hub for future growth.
The study used data from reputable government sources, with up to 15 points available each for business applications and GDP, and scaled scores for other areas like median earnings, employment, unemployment, population growth, trade, crime, educational attainment, housing and infrastructure.
Fort Worth saw consistent employment gains, record-setting real estate developments and major investments in infrastructure. Combined with its affordability, a young labor force and thriving cultural scene, Fort Worth is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both businesses and families.
A U.S. Census Bureau report in May announced Cowtown surpassed the 1 million resident mark, solidifying its status as the 11th most populous city in the United States. Cowtown's population is estimated to be 1,008,106 -- larger than Austin, and the 11th largest city in the United States. Only 13 cities in the country have more than 1 million people.
Dallas, while historically the region’s economic powerhouse, did not rank as highly in this latest growth analysis. The city continues to benefit from corporate relocations, headquarters activity and population growth, but it lagged behind Fort Worth in growth-centric metrics during this period.