8 Texas counties land on top 10 list of fastest-growing counties in the US | Census
Texas is only getting bigger.
Recent census data from 2020 to 2023 support this claim with a boom in population growth. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, Texas cities, counties and metro areas make up most of the top 10 lists of annual numeric growth.
Although much growth was centered around the "Texas Triangle"—the area composed of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin metro areas—many other Texas regions experienced considerable growth.
According to the Census Bureau, Texas has experienced consistent population growth since 2000, outpacing nearly every other state. Despite its location along the Southern border, Texas has seen slightly more growth from domestic migration than from international migration.
Why is Texas growing?
The surge in population is mainly credited to the state's allure of a relatively lower cost of living compared to many other states and the absence of personal income tax. Additionally, according to a press release by the Office of the State Governor, Texas is experiencing rapid economic growth, with major companies making their way into Texas cities.
While Texas cities dominated the list of fastest-growing locales, areas experiencing population declines were dispersed across eight states, mainly in the South and West. Notably, California accounted for three entries, including San Francisco, which is known for its steep living costs.
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8 of 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. are in Texas
According to the data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, eight of the 10 fastest-growing counties are in the Lone Star state. According to the chart, the three fastest-growing counties are in Texas. The county with the most numeric growth from 2020 to 2023 was Harris County, with a numeric growth of 53,788. It has reinforced its status as the third most populous county in the U.S.
Harris County is located in the southeastern part of the state and includes the majority of the Houston metro area extending to Katy, League City and Cypress.
Collin County is the second fastest growing country in the state and the U.S. The county is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area and welcomed 36,364 new residents.
Thirdly, Montgomery County, with a population growth of 31,800, is located north of Harris County and includes The Woodlands, Conroe, Panorama Village, and more.
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What are the fastest-growing metro areas in Texas?
As Texas continues to attract new residents, particularly from other regions of the country, its major metropolitan areas are experiencing unprecedented growth.
All the metro areas included in the "Texas Triangle" are on the list of fastest-growing metros. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex witnessed the highest surge, adding 152,598 residents, followed closely by Houston, which welcomed 139,789 new residents.
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The Austin-San Marcos area is also on the list, as it welcomed more than 50,000 residents. Lastly, the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is also included in the list, and its population grew by 48,000.
What are the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S.?
The robust expansion is not limited to urban hubs alone, as Midland, within the Permian Basin, emerged as the seventh fastest-growing metro area nationwide. This region's oil and gas industry has driven job growth, making it a magnet for young professionals seeking opportunities in energy.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas has 8 of the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the US | Census
