Growth Dynamics Across Texas

Texas is witnessing a slowdown in overall population growth compared to previous years; however, specific areas within the state continue to flourish. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that Kaufman County, located to the east of Dallas, was the fastest-growing county in Texas and the second-fastest in the entire United States between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024.

Kaufman County’s Phenomenal Rise

Kaufman County’s population increased by an impressive 6%, surpassing the national average growth rate. In total, the county gained over 50,000 new residents from 2020 to 2024, marking an expansion of more than a third in its population.

Mayor Jeff Jordan attributes this growth primarily to Kaufman’s strategic location near major employment hubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Notably, more than half of Kaufman County’s residents commute outside the county for work, which is significantly higher compared to the roughly 27% commuting rate for the broader Dallas-Fort Worth region.

“I do think a lot of people are attracted to that small town vibe,” said Jordan. “You’re getting people that appreciate that and want to be a part of it.”

Factors Driving Population Increase

Another key factor behind Kaufman County’s growth is its relatively affordable housing market. Anne Glasscock, CEO of the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce, notes that home prices in the county are generally lower than those in other areas of North Texas.

“It’s really the next frontier,” Glasscock said.

Among the ten counties that experienced the highest growth rates nationwide between 2023 and 2024, four were located in Texas: Kaufman, Liberty, Montgomery, and Caldwell counties. Georgia and Florida each had two counties on the list, with South Carolina and Florida each contributing one.

Largest Population Gains in Urban Areas

In terms of absolute population growth, Harris County—Texas’ most populous urban county—outpaced all others in the nation, adding 105,852 residents during the same period. Collin County also saw significant growth, with nearly 47,000 new residents, securing its place among the top counties for population increases in the U.S. Montgomery and Tarrant counties followed closely behind.

Metropolitan Growth Rates

Among Texas’s major metropolitan areas, the Midland and Odessa regions emerged as leaders in population growth, achieving a rate of 2.8%. These areas were also among the ten fastest-growing regions across the nation.

The Houston metropolitan area grew by 198,171 individuals, representing the second-largest numerical increase among U.S. metro areas, while the Dallas-Fort Worth region experienced an influx of 177,922 new residents.

Understanding Migration Patterns

While Texas’s overall population growth has decelerated, it still surpassed 31 million residents last year, securing its status as the leader in domestic migration. The influx of newcomers has notably shifted, decreasing from the peaks observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, international migration has become the primary contributing factor to the state’s population increase, with urban regions welcoming approximately 309,506 international residents from 2023 to 2024—accounting for over half of their total population growth.