Texas Tops 30M, Uneven Growth; El Paso County Down

Big news from the Lone Star State – Texas’ population has officially surpassed 30 million last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

However, this growth ISN'T uniform across the whole state.

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According to reporting by KXAN, among 254 Texas counties, 158 experienced population growth, while 95 faced declines.

Kaufman County, southeast of Dallas, emerged as the fastest-growing county in the state with a CRAZY 9% population change.

It also secured the position of the second-fastest-growing county nationwide, trailing only Whitman County, Washington.

On the slow growth side of things, Loving County, located west of Midland/Odessa, saw the most significant percentage decrease in population—10.5%.

With a mere 51 residents, it remains the LEAST populated county in the country.

Focusing on absolute numbers, 12 counties added over 10,000 residents between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022.

Harris County, encompassing Houston, gained over 45,000 new residents, while Collin County, north of Dallas, followed with over 44,000 newcomers.

Migration seems to be what contributed to population growth in many of the state's largest counties.

For example, in Collin County, 86% of GROWTH was attributed to people relocating from other areas.

In contrast, both Dallas and El Paso counties experienced a net decrease in migration, with more people leaving than arriving. However, overall population growth was because of the number of births.

Texas is NOW the fourth-fastest-growing state, with a 1.6% population increase between 2021 and 2022, joining California as one of just TWO states with over 30 million residents.

Nationwide, the population grew by 0.36%.

Urban and suburban areas around major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio continue to attract new residents, while more rural counties experience population decline.

If you're contemplating a move to the Lone Star State, you might want to join the crowds in the bustling cities or find serenity in the less populated rural regions.

Regardless of your choice, you're always welcome in Texas!

Let me know what you think at nico@klaq.com