The Lone Star State of Texas is experiencing a population boom, with six out of the 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023 located within its borders. According to recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas is a hotspot for rapid population growth, with counties like Kaufman, Rockwall, and Liberty leading the charge.
Kaufman County, located east of Dallas, saw a 7.6% increase in population, bringing its total residents to over 185,000. Rockwall and Liberty counties followed closely behind, with growth rates of 6.5% and 5.7%, respectively. These counties are part of the larger trend of population increases across the southern U.S., driven by people relocating from other parts of the country.
Texas’ major metropolitan areas are also seeing significant population growth, with the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas leading the pack. Harris County, home to Houston, added the most residents of any county in the U.S., with significant gains from international migration. Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area also experienced substantial population increases, with Denton now boasting over 1 million residents.
The state’s four most populous metro areas – Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin – are among the top 10 metro areas with the biggest population increases in the country. The greater Dallas area added over 150,000 residents, while Houston added nearly 140,000, solidifying their positions as major population centers in Texas.
Notably, the Midland metro area in Texas saw the fastest population growth of all the state’s metro areas, fueled by job growth in the energy sector. As the highest-producing oil field in the U.S., Midland is attracting young professionals looking for opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
Overall, Texas’ population growth is outpacing much of the rest of the country, with more U.S. counties experiencing population gains than losses in 2023. The state’s booming economy, job opportunities, and high quality of life are attracting people from across the country, making it a magnet for growth and development.