The saying goes that everything’s bigger in Texas, and recent U.S. Census Bureau data confirms that the state’s population growth is no exception. Between 2020 and 2023, nine out of the ten fastest-growing cities and towns in the U.S. with populations over 20,000 were in Texas.
Celina leads the surge
Topping the list is Celina, a city approximately 40 miles north of Dallas, which experienced a staggering 143% population increase. In July 2020, Celina’s population was just over 17,800. By July 2023, it had ballooned to more than 43,300, according to Census Bureau estimates. Residents attribute Celina’s growth to its safety, strong economic health, and high quality of life, as indicated by a 2022 community engagement survey sponsored by the city.
Fulshear follows close behind
Fulshear, located about 30 miles west of Houston, also saw significant growth, with its population more than doubling from 17,558 in 2020 to 42,616 in 2023.
On the other end of the spectrum, Big Spring, Texas, saw the steepest population decline in the state, with a decrease of 14.8% over the same period. It was the only Texas city among the ten U.S. cities and towns that experienced the largest population declines from 2020 to 2023.
National trends in population shifts
While Texas cities dominated the fastest-growing list, the towns with the most significant population declines were dispersed across eight states, mainly in the South and West. California accounted for three of these entries, including the high-cost city of San Francisco.
Reasons behind Texas’ population boom
Several factors contribute to Texas’ population surge, including its relatively low cost of living and absence of personal income tax. The state also ranked third in CNBC’s 2024 Top States for Business rankings. The Census Bureau reports that Texas’ population growth has outpaced nearly every other state since 2000. Despite its location along the southern border, domestic migration has played a slightly larger role than international migration in fueling this growth. As Texas continues to attract new residents with its economic opportunities and favorable living conditions, it remains a key player in the shifting demographics of the United States.