According to the latest Census Bureau estimate which was released on Wednesday, December 20, the population of Texas has grown to 28.3 million people in 2017. Following a gain of close to 400,000 new residents over a one-year period, the Lone Star State is inching closer to having 30 million residents. After years of steady growth anchored at just over 25 million in the 2010 Census, we now have the seventh fastest rate of growth in America.
The majority of Texas’ growth has come from a natural increase (Texans having more children) as opposed to an influx of people moving to the state – in total, 209,690 residents were attributed to the natural increase. The balance (189,580) was the net result of people leaving Texas for other places and people coming into the state from elsewhere.
This boom in population could also bring significant political implications. Demographic and political pundits are presently predicting that the Lone Star State will see an increase in congressional seats following the 2020 census. In the short-term, the population growth of Texas means that the state could also grow more diverse in nationality. Although updated demographic estimates won’t be released by the Census Bureau until 2018, it was noted in 2016 that half of the state’s growth since 2010 could be attributed to the Hispanic population. Although those that identify as “white” Texans continue to make up the largest racial group, and close to two-thirds of Texans who are 65 years of age or older are white, those of child-bearing age and younger Texans are increasingly likely to be people of color. It’s interesting to see how we’ve grown and how we’re developing!
