Texas, January 29, 2026
In 2025, Texas recorded a population increase of 391,243, reaching a total of 31.7 million residents. While the growth rate slowed to 1.2%, the natural increase from births continues to drive this momentum. Despite challenges due to declining immigration numbers, metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth thrive, attracting new residents. However, rural parts of the state are experiencing population losses. Future growth projections indicate significant demographic adjustments, particularly concerning an aging population and changing immigration patterns.
Texas Leads Nation in Population Growth for 2025
San Antonio continues to thrive as Texas remains the front-runner in population growth for 2025, welcoming 391,243 new residents according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. With the state’s population now reaching 31.7 million, the growth rate stands at 1.2%—the slowest recorded since 2021. This deceleration can be attributed largely to a notable drop in immigration, as the state welcomed just 67,475 newcomers from abroad—a staggering 48% decrease from the previous year. This national trend, which shows a 55% decline in international migration, reflects broader economic uncertainties that may impact future growth. However, Texas’s population growth remains substantial, primarily driven by natural increase as births continue to outpace deaths.
For entrepreneurs and small-business leaders in San Antonio, this population increase offers both challenges and opportunities. The state’s robust net gain of 157,111 residents due to natural growth provides a continual influx of potential customers and talent for business owners. Nevertheless, the environment surrounding immigration presents hurdles that local businesses may need to navigate carefully. The resilience and determination of Texas entrepreneurs are essential as they adapt to these evolving demographic dynamics. By championing free markets and minimal regulatory interference, Texas’s economic framework fosters a climate conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Factors Influencing Growth
The deceleration in Texas’s growth comes with significant factors at play. The state has experienced a marked decrease in international migration, partly influenced by stricter immigration policies at the federal level. Compounding this, Texas faced a net loss of residents to other states in 2024, with more individuals relocating elsewhere than in any other state. This trend may indicate an adjustment period where economic uncertainties prompt potential movers to stabilize in their current locations, affecting the traditional mobility that drives population growth.
Regional Growth Trends
Population growth in Texas continues to be overwhelmingly concentrated in its metropolitan areas. Notably, the Houston metropolitan region added 198,171 residents, leading the state, while the Dallas-Fort Worth area saw an increase of 177,922 newcomers. These urban centers remain magnets for individuals seeking opportunities, thereby reinforcing the state’s overall growth narrative. However, rural areas, especially in West Texas, are projected to continue losing population, creating a stark contrast between thriving urban and declining rural communities.
Future Projections
Looking to the future, the Texas Demographic Center anticipates that the state’s population could reach 42.6 million by 2060. This projection leans heavily on migration, as birth rates continue to decline. With fertility rates below the replacement level, the role of migration in sustaining Texas’s growth becomes increasingly critical. Furthermore, the state is expected to face challenges associated with an aging population, as residents aged 65 and older are projected to make up approximately 22% of the total population by 2060, calling for adjustments in services and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Texas’s population growth in 2025?
Texas added 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million, marking a 1.2% growth rate—the slowest since 2021.
What factors contributed to the slowdown in Texas’s population growth?
The slowdown is attributed to a significant decline in immigration, with the state welcoming 67,475 newcomers from abroad, a 48% decrease from the previous year. This trend reflects a broader national decline in international migration, which fell by about 55% to 1.3 million in 2025 from 2.7 million the previous year.
Which regions in Texas experienced the most population growth?
Population growth in Texas remains concentrated in its major metropolitan areas. The Houston metropolitan region added 198,171 people, while the Dallas-Fort Worth area gained 177,922 new residents.
What are the future population projections for Texas?
The Texas Demographic Center projects that the state’s population could reach 42.6 million by 2060, driven primarily by migration as birth rates decline.
How is the aging population affecting Texas’s growth?
The aging population, with residents aged 65 and older expected to account for roughly 22% of the population by 2060, presents challenges and opportunities for the state’s future development.
Key Features of Texas’s Population Growth in 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 31.7 million |
| Growth Rate | 1.2% (slowest since 2021) |
| International Migration | 67,475 newcomers (48% decrease from previous year) |
| Natural Increase | 157,111 residents gained through births outnumbering deaths |
| Urban Growth | Houston added 198,171 residents; Dallas-Fort Worth added 177,922 residents |
| Future Projections | Population expected to reach 42.6 million by 2060 |
| Aging Population | Residents aged 65 and older projected to account for 22% of the population by 2060 |
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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.
