This article will list American cities with the greatest land coverage and highlight their geography. You can skip the details and read 5 Largest Cities in the US By Area.
The largest cities in the United States offer distinct economic opportunities for industrial expansion due to their expansive areas. These urban centers provide ample space for large-scale industrial projects, warehouses, and logistics hubs. For example, Louisville, with its extensive area, can accommodate industrial developments, which has attracted large-scale manufacturing and distribution centers. The availability of such vast land in these cities is an advantage for industries requiring substantial space, such as manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy projects.
However, the benefits of these extensive areas often come with logistical challenges, especially in densely populated cities. For instance, the urban environment of New York City poses big supply chain management challenges, including last-mile delivery difficulties and traffic congestion. Houston and Dallas, despite having more space, still face issues like urban sprawl, leading to longer transportation times and increased logistics costs.
Also Read: 50 Most Populated Countries in 2050
How Can Smart Cities Change the Future of Urban Living?
Currently, approximately 56% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and this number is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. Urban centers contribute over 80% to global GDP, making effective urbanization critical for sustainable growth.
As a result, the concept of smart cities is gaining recognition as a vital strategy for enhancing urban sustainability. A smart city is defined by its ability to integrate various dimensions of sustainability, including environmental, economic, and social aspects, into its framework. For example, well-planned cities with intelligent transportation solutions can reduce emissions and benefit the environment. Smart cities are not solely focused on job creation; instead, they prioritize improving local labor markets’ efficiency and reducing living costs.
An excellent illustration of a smart city is Toyota Motor Corp’s innovative initiative, Woven City, located on a vast 175-acre site at the foothills of Mount Fuji in Japan. This development serves as a dynamic testing ground for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and self-driving vehicles. Woven City’s design revolves around a unified operating system that integrates daily life and social infrastructure via advanced communication networks to enhance energy efficiency and service quality.
Crucially, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Woven City, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize. Toyota intends to power the city entirely with hydrogen and is collaborating with Eneos Corp., a prominent Japanese energy company, to establish an extensive hydrogen supply chain. This initiative is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to evolve from an automobile manufacturer into a comprehensive mobility solutions provider.
Another significant feature of Woven City is its transportation infrastructure, comprising three interconnected road types at ground level: one for pedestrians, another for individuals using personal mobility devices like e-scooters, and a third exclusively for self-driving vehicles. Additionally, there will be a conventional road beneath the city for transporting goods. Toyota’s self-driving vehicle, the e-Palette, is expected to play a major role in the city’s transportation system, offering services ranging from ride-sharing to mobile offices.
It’s important to note that the completion of this smart city lies in the future. Recognizing that the realization of such futuristic urban projects is a gradual process, the current focus should be on enhancing the planning and development of existing urban centers. This entails improving infrastructure, implementing sustainable practices, and promoting community engagement to ensure that our current cities evolve in a way that seamlessly integrates with future smart technologies. This approach establishes a strong foundation for the eventual transition to smart cities, ensuring that the evolution benefits all segments of society without widening existing socio-economic disparities.
Talking about a sustainable future, read about Countries That Care About The Environment Most.
Let’s now shift our focus on the largest cities in the US by area!
30 Largest Cities in the US By Area
Our Methodology
We curated our list of the largest cities in the US by area from multiple sources, including the United States Census Bureau, World Atlas, and New Geography. Afterwards, we ranked these big cities in ascending order of their area.
Based on the data, here are the biggest cities in the US by area:
30. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Total Area: 244.7 mi²
Virginia Beach, an independent city in southeastern Virginia, occupies a unique position between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, spanning 28 miles of coastline and encompassing Back Bay, a substantial brackish lagoon that runs parallel to the ocean. This geographical feature, Back Bay, covers approximately 39 square miles in the city’s southern region and is an integral part of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the city’s coexistence of urban development and natural preservation.
29. Macon, Georgia
Total Area: 249.4 mi²
Macon, officially known as Macon-Bibb County, is situated near the Ocmulgee River’s fall line in central Georgia and is often referred to as “The Heart of Georgia.” The Ocmulgee River, a significant geographical feature, has historically served as a focal point for settlement and economic activity, dating back to the indigenous Mississippian culture.
28. El Paso, Texas
Total Area: 258.8 mi²
El Paso, situated in extreme western Texas, is a prominent US-Mexican border city nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains. These mountains divide the city into eastern and western sectors. El Paso’s unique cultural blend results from its proximity to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, across the Rio Grande.
27. Lexington, Kentucky
Total Area: 283.9 mi²
Lexington, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is located in north-central Kentucky and is a key part of the Bluegrass region. It serves as a major hub for horse breeding and is home to renowned racecourses such as Keeneland and the Red Mile. Covering an area of 283.9 square miles, the city boasts notable landmarks, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland, and the Red Mile racecourses.
26. Memphis, Tennessee
Total Area: 296.2 mi²
Memphis, the largest city on the Mississippi River, serves as a vital cultural and logistical hub in Tennessee. Recognized for its significant contributions to blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music, Memphis also holds a key position as a distribution center, owing to its location along the Mississippi River and the presence of FedEx Corp (NYSE:FDX) ‘s global hub.
The Mississippi River plays a crucial role in the transportation network of the United States. Memphis’ strategic location alongside this river enables efficient access to river transportation, which proves to be a cost-effective option for businesses like FedEx Corp (NYSE:FDX). Additionally, Memphis International Airport, the world’s second busiest cargo airport primarily due to FedEx, offers extensive air transport capabilities for FedEx Corp (NYSE:FDX). Notably, FedEx is a major employer in Memphis, with over 30,000 employees, making it the largest employer in the city.
25. New York City, New York
Total Area: 300.5 mi²
New York City, the United States’ financial and cultural epicenter, is situated at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city boasts a dynamic economy with finance, healthcare, life sciences, high technology, biotechnology, real estate, and insurance as its key pillars. Furthermore, NYC serves as a global hub for mass media, journalism, publishing, and creative industries encompassing digital media, advertising, fashion, design, and architecture. Additionally, the Port of New York plays a pivotal role in the city’s economy, handling substantial maritime cargo volumes. This importance has been further enhanced by the expansion of the Panama Canal.
Also Read: 50 Most Populated Countries in 2100
24. Augusta, Georgia
Total Area: 306.3 mi²
Augusta, Georgia, is a consolidated city-county located on the central-eastern border of the state. It has a population of over 200,000, making it Georgia’s third most populous city and a key component of the Augusta metropolitan area.
In recent years, Augusta has emerged as a major cybersecurity hub in the United States, supported by the presence of the US Army Cyber Command, the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence, and the National Security Agency at Fort Gordon. Additionally, Augusta’s economic landscape benefits from hosting the Masters golf tournament, a global event that attracts over 200,000 visitors.
23. Charlotte, North Carolina
Total Area: 310.8 mi²
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, boasts a population of over 874,579 residents, ranking as the 15th-most populous city in the United States. Notably, the city has experienced rapid growth, earning the distinction of being the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the US between 2004 and 2014, which is particularly appealing to millennials.
Charlotte is renowned for its status as the second-largest banking center in the United States, thanks to the presence of major financial institutions such as Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), Truist Financial Corp (NYSE:TFC), and the East Coast headquarters of Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC). Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), the country’s second-largest bank by assets, is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and employs over 16,000 people in the city. In 2021, Charlotte’s financial services sector, anchored by entities like Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), provided employment to more than 93,000 individuals. Notably, during the economic downturn of 2020, the financial services sector was one of only two sectors to register job growth in the region, expanding by nearly 5% compared to the national growth rate of less than 1%, as reported by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
22. Kansas City, Missouri
Total Area: 314.7 mi²
Kansas City, Missouri, holds the distinction of being the largest city in the state by area and ranks as the 37th most populous city in the United States, boasting a population of over 500,000. It was established as a river port on the Missouri River, encompassing an area of approximately 314 square miles.
21. San Diego, California
Total Area: 326.1 mi²
San Diego’s economy thrives on life sciences, biotechnology, telecommunications, and electronics. The city’s robust international trade is bolstered by its commercial port and proximity to the Mexico-United States border, positioning it as a key player in global commerce. San Diego operates as a United States government-authorized Foreign Trade Zone and is home to the world’s busiest international border crossing at the San Ysidro Port. Furthermore, the Port of San Diego plays a vital role in handling various types of cargo, including perishables, fertilizer, and cement.
20. Austin, Texas
Total Area: 326.4 mi²
Austin, the capital of Texas, covers an expansive 326 square miles. The city’s economy is primarily driven by the technology and defense sectors, with significant employers such as Dell Technologies headquartered nearby. Austin’s minimal susceptibility to natural disasters enhances its appeal as a prime location for data centers, and its space technology industry is also noteworthy.
19. Louisville, Kentucky
Total Area: 341.5 mi²
Louisville, spanning an area of 341.5 square miles, is renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby, an iconic horse racing event. The city’s economy is driven by logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, with the presence of United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) and its Worldport hub. UPS, the largest employer in Louisville, employs over 25,000 city residents in its supply chain operations. This substantial United Parcel Services Inc (NYSE:UPS) presence positions Kentucky among the leading states in distribution and logistics supply chains. Furthermore, United Parcel Services Inc (NYSE:UPS) has announced plans for a new $155 million facility in Louisville, which is expected to create 315 high-paying jobs in the city, adding to its existing facilities.
Since Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, it calls for exploring 25 Best Bourbons in the World.
18. Dallas, Texas
Total Area: 342 mi²
As the third most populous city in Texas, Dallas is a prominent component of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Its geographical reach extends across Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwell, and Kaufman counties, encompassing diverse landscapes. Dallas is renowned for housing the largest arts district in the country, home to institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art.
17. Fort Worth, Texas
Total Area: 355.8 mi²
Fort Worth, Texas, is located in the Great Plains region of north-central Texas, known for its rolling hills. Positioned within the Cross Timbers region, the city serves as a transition between the densely forested eastern areas and the hilly central terrain.
16. Indianapolis, Indiana
Total Area: 361.5 mi²
Indianapolis boasts an economic profile distinguished by affordability and a diverse job market. The cost of living in Indianapolis is significantly lower than the national average, exemplified by the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment, which is approximately $1,090, well below the US average of $1,430.
15. Suffolk, Virginia
Total Area: 400 mi²
Suffolk, Virginia, holds the distinction of being the largest city by area in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 14th largest in the United States, covering over 400 square miles. Its expansive landscape encompasses urban areas, farmland, and swamps. Notably, a significant natural landmark, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, occupies a portion of the city.
14. Corpus Christi, Texas
Total Area: 460.2 mi²
Corpus Christi, located in Texas, covers an expansive 460 square miles, ranking it among the largest cities in the US by area. Referred to as the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” it is a prominent Gulf Coast city with a thriving tourism industry, primarily due to its beaches. Additionally, the Port of Corpus Christi is one of the country’s largest, playing a crucial role in the petrochemical industry and international trade.
13. Nashville, Tennessee
Total Area: 473.1 mi²
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, covers 475 square miles, establishing it as the state’s largest city. It is widely recognized as “Music City” and serves as a prominent hub for the music industry, particularly country music, with iconic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry. Additionally, the city’s economy thrives in the healthcare, publishing, banking, and transportation sectors.
12. San Antonio, Texas
Total Area: 498 mi²
San Antonio, Texas, is one of the largest US cities by area, encompassing 498 square miles. Its robust economy is driven by key sectors, including healthcare, energy, and financial services. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role, attracting millions of visitors to its historic sites and annual events like Fiesta San Antonio.
11. Los Angeles, California
Total Area: 498.1 mi²
Los Angeles is a globally influential city renowned for its entertainment industry, especially Hollywood. In addition to this, LA serves as a significant hub for finance, technology, and international trade, owing to its strategic location on the Pacific Rim. Notably, the Port of Los Angeles ranks among the busiest in the world, generating over 124,000 jobs within the city.
10. Phoenix, Arizona
Total Area: 516.7 mi²
Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, sprawls over 516 square miles. It transformed from an agricultural community founded in 1867 into a bustling metropolitan center, partly due to the construction of the Roosevelt Dam in 1911. The city’s growth can be attributed to its real estate market and the defense industry. Phoenix has a hot desert climate, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in summer, contributing to its nickname, “Valley of the Sun.”
9. Houston, Texas
Total Area: 599.6 mi²
Houston, Texas, stands as the fourth-largest city in the US, encompassing an expansive area of 599 square miles. The city is renowned for housing the Texas Medical Center, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions, as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Houston’s economy thrives primarily on the oil and energy industry, benefiting from Texas’s prominent position in the energy sector, which places it among the states with the lowest electricity costs in the US.
8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Total Area: 607 mi²
Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, was established during the Land Run of 1889 and experienced rapid growth following the discovery of oil within its borders. The city’s contemporary economy is buoyed by sectors such as energy, health services, and administration. Furthermore, Oklahoma City boasts one of the world’s largest livestock markets, a testament to its historical agrarian heritage.
7. Butte, Montana
Total Area: 716.2 mi²
Butte, Montana, spanning 716 square miles, is renowned for its illustrious mining history. It was founded as a mining camp in the late 19th century and witnessed substantial expansion after the discovery of vast copper reserves, earning it the moniker “The Richest Hill on Earth.” This historical legacy is evident in its architecture and cultural heritage.
Must Read: 20 Most Valuable Mining Companies in the World
6. Anaconda, Montana
Total Area: 735.6 mi²
Like Butte, Anaconda also bears significant historical ties to copper mining. Founded in 1883 by Marcus Daly, one of the three “Copper Kings” of Butte, it served as the headquarters of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. The city’s economy was initially centered around this industry, which had a profound impact on its urban development and demographic composition. It’s worth noting that the United States ranks among the countries with the largest copper reserves in the world.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Largest Cities in the US By Area is originally published at Insider Monkey.
