Nielsen Revamps Top Markets Ranker

Nielsen has re-arranged its Top 50 radio metros markets based on population changes. Let’s explore some of the notable shifts:

• Dallas-Ft. Worth: With a population of 6,862,600, Dallas-Ft. Worth surged ahead, adding over 200,000 residents. It now claims the No. 4 spot in Nielsen’s market rankings. San Francisco, which lost 50,000 people, slipped to No. 5.
• Miami and Seattle: Miami, another growth market, moved from No. 12 to No. 11, trading places with Seattle. Interestingly, only 100 people separate these two markets.

Other Ranker Changes...Several other markets in the Nos. 16-25 range experienced subtle shifts due to population increases or decreases:

• Tampa advanced from No. 17 to No. 16, trading places with Puerto Rico.
• San Diego pulled ahead of Denver.
• Charlotte-Gastonia moved up one position, while Nassau-Suffolk slid down.
• Baltimore swapped places with Portland.
• Further Movements: In the remaining Top 50, notable changes include:
• Raleigh Durham jumped from No. 37 to No. 35.
• Jacksonville climbed from No. 46 to No. 44.
• Austin, Las Vegas, Nashville, and West Palm Beach also saw shifts.

These adjustments reflect the dynamic nature of radio markets, influenced by population trends and growth patterns.