North Texas Population Boom: A Look at Recent Growth

News Summary

North Texas is experiencing unprecedented population growth, with Kaufman County leading the way at a 26.7% increase over four years. Rockwall and Parker Counties are also seeing significant rises, while Fort Worth claims the title of the fastest growing major city in Texas. The region gained nearly 200,000 new residents in 2023 alone, driven by job opportunities and relatively affordable housing. Despite the rising costs, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is thriving, outpacing other metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Welcome to the Booming North Texas!

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a tremendous buzz in the air around North Texas. The region is experiencing an astonishing population boom that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows. In fact, over the last few years, some counties have seen their populations soar like never before!

Kaufman County Takes the Crown!

Leading the pack is none other than Kaufman County, which has claimed the title of the fastest-growing area in Texas with a remarkable 26.7% increase from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2024. It’s hard to imagine that so many people are flocking to this area, but a glance at the steady growth will leave you impressed.

Rockwall and Parker Counties Are Not Far Behind

Not to be outdone, Rockwall County also saw a significant increase, with its population growing by 25% in the same four-year span. Meanwhile, Parker County enjoyed a respectable 19.4% growth. These numbers suggest that people are eager to settle in the charming cities and towns around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

North Texas Gains Nearly 200,000 New Residents!

But wait, there’s more! The North Central Texas Council of Governments reported that the estimated total population for the region reached over 8.48 million by January 1, 2024. Can you believe that just in 2023 alone, the region added nearly 200,000 people? Imagine that: that’s like bringing in the same number of folks you’d find in two AT&T Stadiums or even a combined population of cities like Waco and Galveston!

Fort Worth: The Fastest Growing Major City

And let’s not forget about Fort Worth, which has made headlines for becoming the fourth-largest city in Texas with a population estimated at 989,878 in 2024. Adding around 70,963 residents from 2020 to 2024, Fort Worth is the fastest-growing major city in the state. Talk about a thriving hub!

Dallas Holds Steady

In contrast, Dallas seems to be enjoying a more stable ride, with its population hovering around 1,308,404. This is a slight lull in the growth spurt when compared to booming counterparts like Houston and San Antonio. Meanwhile, the “big four” counties that surround the Dallas-Fort Worth area—Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton—have all reached over a million residents as of early 2024.

The Growth Story Continues

To put things in perspective, Dallas County alone boasts a population of 2,629,938, while Tarrant County stands at 2,204,054. Collin County and Denton County also saw impressive increases of 13.6% and 11.1%, respectively, since 2020. Out in the wider Texas landscape, there are other counties like Bastrop, Comal, and Hays that are seeing noteworthy growth, signaling positive trends across our great state.

What’s Driving All This Growth?

So what’s fueling this boom? A big part of the answer lies in job opportunities. Fort Worth has added over 95,000 new jobs in the last three years, helping to attract even more residents. With the job market expanding, people are eager to move and settle down where they can find employment.

Housing, while still relatively affordable compared to other major Texas cities, has seen a post-pandemic rent increase of about 30%. As a result, the typical sales price for homes in Fort Worth has surged to around $340,000, which is about 48% higher than it was in 2019. Though prices are climbing, the job possibilities and vibrant communities make it hard to resist the draw of living here.

A Bright Future

It’s a fact: the DFW area is experiencing unparalleled growth, outpacing any other metropolitan area in the U.S. from 2020 to 2024, with an increase of 546,000 residents. While Texas has seen declines in population in numerous counties, North Texas stands tall as a beacon of prosperity and opportunity. The future definitely looks bright for this flourishing region!