List of most populous cities in the United States by decade

Population This list tracks and ranks the population of the top 10 largest cities and other urban places in the United States by decade, as reported by each decennial United States census, starting with the 1790 census.

For 1790 through 1990, tables are taken from the U.S Census Bureau's "Population of the 100 Largest Cities and Other Urban Places in the United States: 1790 to 1990.

The top 10 urban areas in 1790 consisted of various places designated as cities, towns and townships.

This list generally refers only to the population of individual urban places within their defined limits at the time of the indicated census.

When the United States declared independence in 1776, Philadelphia was its most populous city.

Rankings based on population data from the second United States census.

Rankings based on population data from the third United States census.

Rankings based on population data drawn the fourth United States Census.

Rankings based on population data from the fifth United States Census.

Rankings based on data drawn from the sixth United States census.

Rankings based on population data compiled in the seventh United States census.

This is the first census where the Northeast does not hold a supermajority of the top ten largest cities.

Many cities in the country peaked in population, but started a slow decline caused by suburbanization associated with pollution, congestion, and increased crime rates in urban centers, while the improved infrastructure of the Eisenhower Interstate System more easily facilitated car commutes and white flight of the white middle class.

Bill made available low interest loans for returning World War II veterans seeking more commodious housing in the suburbs.

This was the first census (see also 1980) to show a decline in the combined total population of top ten cities, with 826,495 ( 3.8%) fewer people than the 1950 Census' top ten cities.

By 1980, the population trends of urban decline and suburbanization that started in the 1950s were at their peak.

Seven of the country's ten largest cities in 2010 were located in the Sun Belt region of the south and west, all of which have far lower population density than their earlier top-ranking counterparts.