News Summary
Princeton, Texas, has been designated as the fastest-growing city in the United States, with a population growth rate of 30.6% from 2023 to 2024. The city’s population soared from approximately 28,000 to 37,000, marking a significant growth from just 17,000 in 2020. Local leaders are addressing infrastructure challenges by pausing new home construction while maintaining affordability, with median home values around $325,000. This rapid growth reflects broader trends in Collin County and Texas, driving economic changes and necessitating smart planning measures.
Princeton, Texas has been named the fastest-growing city in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city experienced a remarkable population growth rate of 30.6% between 2023 and 2024, increasing its population from approximately 28,000 to 37,000.
This surge in residents marks more than a doubling of Princeton’s population since 2020, when it was around 17,000. Located about 46 miles north of Dallas, Princeton has transformed from a primarily farming community due to this rapid demographic shift.
Local leaders have recognized the significant challenges associated with such swift growth. Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. noted the city’s evolution from an area with only two stoplights to one that now requires substantial infrastructure improvements to accommodate its burgeoning population.
To address these challenges, Princeton has implemented a temporary moratorium on new home construction. This pause aims to allow the city’s infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to catch up with the influx of new residents.
Affordability remains a crucial aspect of Princeton’s appeal. The median home values in the city are approximately $325,000, which is considerably lower than in surrounding suburbs. This affordability is likely driving additional residents to the area.
Growth Among Other Texas Cities
Princeton is not alone in its growth. Other cities in Collin County, Texas, are also experiencing rapid population increases. Celina ranks as the fourth fastest-growing city, followed by Anna in fifth, and Melissa in eleventh place, solidifying Texas as home to seven of the fifteen fastest-growing cities nationwide.
In a broader context, Fort Worth has crossed the 1 million population mark, joining three other Texas cities—Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas—that are among the most populated in the country. Fort Worth now ranks as the fourth-largest city in Texas, having overtaken Austin in population size.
Housing and Economic Impact
The overall housing stock in the United States has increased by about 1.4 million units from 2023 to 2024, with Texas holding approximately 12.6 million housing units. This growth correlates with a broader trend of population increases, especially in Southern states.
Officials in cities experiencing growth, including Fort Worth, emphasize the importance of implementing smart planning and effective policies to ensure sustainable development and economic opportunity.
Future Projections for Princeton
Princeton’s rapid expansion shows no signs of slowing, with projections estimating an additional 6,000 residents and 2,000 new homes each year for the foreseeable future. The local police department has had to expand its workforce to keep pace, growing from just four officers in 2004 to 46 officers today, with expectations of needing over 100 officers in the next decade.
The economic landscape in Princeton is also changing, with many major companies relocating to or expanding in Dallas suburbs, further contributing to the demographic shifts and economic growth in this rapidly evolving region.
Conclusion
As Princeton continues to grow, the city and its residents face both challenges and opportunities that come with rapid development. Efforts to enhance infrastructure and maintain affordability will be essential in sustaining this growth trajectory.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Texas Grapples with Traffic Woes Amid Population Growth
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News: Fastest Growing City – Princeton
- Wikipedia: Princeton, Texas
- WFAA: Princeton, Texas – Fastest Growing City in US
- Google Search: Princeton Texas Growth
- CBS News: Princeton’s Explosive Growth
- Google Scholar: Princeton Texas Population Growth
- NBC DFW: Fort Worth’s Population Surpasses 1 Million
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fort Worth Growth
- Spectrum News: Texas Cities Lead Population Growth
- Google News: Texas Population Growth
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
