Texas Gains a ‘New Arlington’ Every Year, Study Finds

AUSTIN, TX - Texas’ population exceeded 30 million in 2022, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, solidifying its position as the second-most populous state after California.

The state saw an increase of 470,708 residents in 2022, a figure comparable to adding a city nearly the size of El Paso, but larger than Arlington every year. 

Texas experienced the second-highest net migration in the country, with 174,261 people moving to the state last year. The Lone Star State also recorded the lowest out-migration rate, with only 11.7% of its population leaving. The influx includes over 100,000 Californians, who continue to move to Texas in large numbers, particularly favoring areas like Hill County.

Rockwall County emerged as the fastest-growing county in Texas, with an 182% population increase since 2000, making it the second-fastest-growing county in the United States. Harris County, which includes Houston, saw the largest numerical gain in population during the same period.

The state’s rapid growth is not limited to population numbers. Texas is on track to reach 14.4 million jobs by December 2024, signaling a robust job market. However, this boom has also led to disparities in housing affordability across the state.

Fredericksburg, Austin, and Dallas now rank among the most expensive places to buy a home in Texas, with typical home values exceeding $300,000. Conversely, cities like Pampa, Lamesa, and Vernon remain the most affordable, with home values well under $125,000.

The typical rent in Texas is $1,963, 9% lower than the national median.

Texas also grapples with economic challenges. While the median household income in Texas stands at $72,284, slightly below the national average, the state has a higher poverty rate of 14%, compared to the national rate of 12.6%. Additionally, the homeownership rate in Texas, at 62.5%, lags behind the national average of 65.2%.

The state’s demographics reveal a young and diverse population. The median age in Texas is 35.6 years, with nearly 28.3% of residents identifying as Spanish-speaking. A third of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, contributing to Texas’ growing workforce in the educational, healthcare, and professional services sectors.

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