Definition:

a) "US city, county, or state": An incorporated city, county, or state within the 50 United States and District of Columbia. This also includes city-like things such as villages, towns etc which are distinct administrative divisions. Ie the colloquial use of "city". Unusual region designations which have their own governing structure and meet other criteria are included. National parks etc don't count.

b) "Population": The most recent official population estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau prior to the name change at the point of the change becoming final and official.

Judgment criteria:

a) The name change must be legally enacted by the appropriate governing body (city council, state legislature, etc.) and signed into law by the relevant executive authority (mayor, governor, etc.).

b) The new name must be adopted for all official purposes, including government documents, signage, and federal recognition.

c) The change must be reflected in the official U.S. Census Bureau records or similar

d) Adding or removing words like "City of" or changing suffixes (e.g., "burg" to "berg") does not qualify.

e) Mergers or incorporations resulting in a new name do not qualify unless the entire original entity's name changes. That is, the final region must have at least the minimum population, and its name must be one which was not one of the regions unckuded within its new borders.

f) Regions like zip codes, neighborhoods, voting districts etc. do not count

g) A change which is being challenged in court or similar will count if the change has been enacted and occurred.

h) If the change is scheduled to take effect in the future, then the date of enactment will be the future date when the change actually takes place not when the future change proposal itself is approved and legal.