Is Jacksonville Really the Biggest City in America? [2023]

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If you’ve ever wondered about the size of Jacksonville, Florida, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about whether Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the United States. In this article, we’ll dive into the facts and figures to determine if Jacksonville truly holds the title of being one of the largest cities in America.

Quick Answer

Yes, Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the United States. It is the largest city by land area in the continental United States, covering over 840 square miles. However, when it comes to population, Jacksonville ranks 12th in the nation, with approximately 962,000 residents. While it may not have the largest population, its expansive land area sets it apart from other cities.

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve deeper into the topic, here are some quick tips and interesting facts about Jacksonville:

Jacksonville is named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.
It has the largest urban park system in the country, with over 400 parks spanning more than 80,000 acres.
The city boasts the longest shoreline of any city in Florida, stretching over 22 miles.
Jacksonville is known for its vibrant music scene and has been the birthplace of legendary rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, The Allman Brothers Band, and Molly Hatchet.
The city has a rich history in the film industry, serving as a movie-making Mecca in the 1910s.
Despite being located in a hurricane-prone region, Jacksonville has been struck by only one major hurricane since 1871.

Now that we’ve covered some interesting tidbits about Jacksonville, let’s explore its size and population in more detail.

1. Jacksonville’s Land Area

When it comes to land area, Jacksonville is unparalleled. It holds the distinction of being the largest city by landmass in the continental United States, covering over 840 square miles. To put that into perspective, it’s larger than the entire state of Rhode Island!

However, it’s worth noting that there are four cities in Alaska with larger land areas than Jacksonville. Due to Alaska’s vast wilderness, cities like Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage surpass Jacksonville in terms of landmass. Nonetheless, Jacksonville’s size is still impressive.

2. Jacksonville’s Population

While Jacksonville may not have the largest population in the United States, it still boasts a significant number of residents. As of the latest estimates, Jacksonville is home to approximately 962,000 people. This places it as the most populous city in Florida.

When considering metropolitan area sizes, Jacksonville ranks fourth in Florida. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area takes the top spot with a population of around 6 million residents. It is followed by the Tampa-St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Jacksonville metro areas.

3. Comparing Jacksonville to Other Cities

To get a better understanding of Jacksonville’s size, let’s compare it to some other major cities in Florida:

Miami: Miami is the largest city in Florida in terms of population, with over 463,000 residents. However, when considering the entire Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area, it becomes the most populous city in Florida.
Tampa: Tampa has a population of approximately 399,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in Florida.
Orlando: Orlando is home to around 287,000 people and ranks fourth in terms of population in Florida.

While Jacksonville may not have the largest population among these cities, its expansive land area sets it apart. It offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

FAQ

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What rank is Jacksonville city?

Jacksonville ranks 12th in the nation in terms of population. While it may not have the largest population, its vast land area makes it one of the biggest cities in the United States.

Which is larger, Miami or Jacksonville?

Miami is larger than Jacksonville in terms of population. Miami is the most populous city in Florida, while Jacksonville holds the title of the largest city by land area in the continental United States.

Which city is larger, Tampa or Jacksonville?

Tampa is smaller than Jacksonville in terms of both population and land area. Jacksonville surpasses Tampa in both categories, making it one of the biggest cities in the United States.

Is Orlando or Jacksonville bigger?

Orlando is smaller than Jacksonville in terms of both population and land area. Jacksonville is larger than Orlando, solidifying its position as one of the biggest cities in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jacksonville may not have the largest population in the United States, it certainly holds the title of being one of the biggest cities in the country. Its expansive land area sets it apart from other cities, making it a unique and vibrant destination. Whether you’re looking to explore its urban amenities or enjoy its natural beauty, Jacksonville has something to offer for everyone.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jacksonville’s history, landmarks, demographics, or other fascinating facts, be sure to check out our other articles on Jax Facts™:

For more information about the Jacksonville metro population, check out our comprehensive guide: The Ultimate Guide to the Jacksonville Metro Population.

Reference Links

Florida Travel Life – Is Jacksonville Really the Biggest City in America?%20and%20Orlando%20(309%2C000).)
Jacksonville Metro Population – Jax Facts™