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Texas is seeing a slowdown in population growth, but its suburbs are thriving. Despite a dip in immigration, the state’s suburbs are still attracting many new residents.
As of July 1, 2025, Texas’ population exceeds 31 million, increasing by 391,243 people, or 1.2%, according to the latest census data. Much of this growth is happening in suburbs around major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. In contrast, some urban areas are starting to experience slower growth.
Lloyd Potter, the state demographer, highlights that a significant decline in residents moving from abroad—down by 45%—is affecting growth in urban centers. After strong expansion during and post-pandemic, these areas are now feeling the pinch.
“Urban areas surged after the pandemic due to international immigration and refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border,” Potter explains. “Now, that flow has slowed, impacting growth in these regions.”
Laredo has been particularly hit hard, seeing its population growth plummet from a 3.2% increase from 2023 to 2024 to just 0.2% the following year.
On a brighter note, Waller County, located northeast of Houston, stands out as Texas’ fastest-growing county. It saw a remarkable 5.7% growth rate—making it the second-fastest in the U.S. Waller County’s population grew from 56,769 in 2020 to 69,858 in 2025, adding over 13,000 residents.
Vince Yokom, executive director of the Waller County Economic Development Partnership, attributes this growth to its strategic location and long-term planning for economic development. He notes, “Our land availability for homes and infrastructure has made a big difference. We’ve also added around 9,000 jobs in the community.”
County Judge Trey Duhon emphasizes the easy access to major highways that connect Waller County to Houston and Austin, drawing both businesses and people seeking more space post-COVID. “People are looking for more elbow room, and Waller County provides that,” he says.
Nationally, the trend shows that the fastest-growing counties often lie in suburban areas, especially in Texas. Four out of the ten fastest-growing counties in the U.S. between 2024 and 2025 are in Texas, including Kaufman, Liberty, and Caldwell counties.
Potter notes that affordable housing options, spacious land, and a better quality of life appeal to families moving to the suburbs. In contrast, Dallas County is experiencing a decline, with 2,616 more residents leaving than moving in. This trend reflects the challenges of limited housing and rising living costs in urban areas.
Despite the drop in international migration, Texas still welcomed 167,475 new residents from abroad between July 2024 and June 2025, the second-highest in the nation. Meanwhile, major urban areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth still saw significant growth, with 126,720 and 123,557 new residents, respectively, during the same period.
Looking ahead, Potter believes Texas is in a good position to maintain its population, even if immigration continues to decline. He notes, “Family creation in Texas will counterbalance these trends, even if birth rates dip. Dallas County may face decline, but other areas are holding strong.”
In summary, while Texas faces challenges with declining immigration, its suburbs are thriving, drawing families looking for space and opportunity. This trend reflects broader shifts in how people are choosing to live in today’s world.
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