Texas Population in 2024 – Closer Look at The Demographics

Texas continues to attract attention as one of the fastest-growing states in the United States.

The population of Texas reached approximately 30,976,754 residents according to World Population Review.

With a robust growth rate, Texas population is projected to reach over 45 million by 2040.

Looking at county population estimates, it is evident that Texas is not only growing but transforming.

These estimates are poised to undergo revisions, further emphasizing the dynamic nature of Texas’s demographic changes.

Demographics of Texas in 2024

Texas population reached approximately 30,976,754 residents. This growth rate of 1.80% ranks Texas third nationally for population increase.

The largest proportion of the population resides in urban areas, such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin. This urban concentration reflects ongoing trends of economic opportunities in major cities. Rural areas contrast sharply, with much lower density.

Residents are diverse in ethnicity and culture. The demographic breakdown includes a mix of Hispanic, Caucasian, African American, and Asian populations. This diversity makes Texas a vibrant cultural tapestry.

In age distribution, a significant number of the state’s residents are young and middle-aged adults. This distribution supports a strong workforce, contributing to regional economic growth. Meanwhile, senior citizens have gained prominence as a growing demographic due to increased life expectancy and migration.

Economic Factors

In 2022, the GDP of Texas’ Upper East region was more than that of the entire state of Alaska, yet it only accounted for 2.8% of Texas’ total GDP. pic.twitter.com/hzwqPvlmEW

— Texas Comptroller (@txcomptroller) June 11, 2024

• Major industries: Technology, healthcare, energy, and agriculture
• State GDP: Among the highest in the U.S. $2.6 trillion
• Employment: High job growth rate, especially in tech and service sectors, 1.4%

Education remains a focus, with in-state universities attracting students nationwide. The investment in education fuels Texas’s reputation as a hub for research and innovation.

Population of Texas is diverse demographics, and economic dynamism make it a unique and influential player on the national stage.

Age Data

The median age of the population is 35.6 years, which is about 90% of the U.S. median age of 39 years, indicating a younger population compared to the national average according to Census Reporter.

Population by Age Range

The age distribution is relatively even across the younger adult age ranges (10-39 years), each accounting for 14% of the population. The share decreases for older age groups, with the highest age range (80+ years) making up only 3% of the population.

Population by Age Category

• The majority of the population (62%) falls within the 18 to 64 years category, which is the typical working-age group.
• 18% of the population is under 18, while 20% is 65 and over, indicating a balanced demographic with a significant working-age population and a notable elderly segment.

Sex Data

Texas population is split evenly between males and females, with each accounting for 50% of the population. This is consistent with the overall gender distribution observed across the United States.

Ethnic and Racial Demographics

• The largest group is White, comprising 59.14% of the population, which represents over 17 million people according to Neilsberg.
• Black or African American individuals make up the second-largest racial group, accounting for 12.15% or approximately 3.55 million people.
• The multiracial group (individuals identifying as belonging to two or more races) constitutes 15.07% of the population, indicating a significant portion of people identify with mixed heritage.
• The Asian community makes up 5.17% of the population, numbering around 1.5 million individuals.
• The “Some other race” category includes 7.80% of the population, representing a considerable number of individuals who do not fit into the more traditional racial categories.
• Smaller percentages are noted for American Indians and Alaska Natives (0.58%) and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (0.09%), indicating these communities are the least represented in the overall demographic makeup.

Unemployment Rate in Texas

In November 2023, Texas had an unemployment rate of 4.1%, making it higher than the national average. Texas’ unemployment rate ranked as the 13th highest among U.S. states, indicating economic challenges compared to other states according to USA Facts.

State Unemployment Rankings (November 2023)

Texas is ranked 13th in terms of the highest unemployment rate, suggesting a significant number of job seekers relative to the workforce. States like Nevada and California face even higher unemployment, while North Dakota has the lowest at 1.8%.

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth for Texas

In the third quarter of 2023, Texas saw a real GDP growth rate of 7.7%, higher than the 4.9% growth from the previous quarter, showing strong economic activity. This growth was largely driven by sectors like agriculture, forestry, and construction.

Real GDP Growth by Industry in Texas (Q3 2023)

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting led the economic growth in Texas at 32.8%, while sectors like utilities experienced a decline of -23%. Overall, most industries showed positive contributions, reflecting diversified growth.

Texas’ Real GDP and Share of the U.S. Economy

Texas is now valued at $2.6 trillion, based on GDP for 2023 (up from $2.4 trillion in 2022), making Texas the second-largest economy among U.S. states after California according to Texas gov.

State Ranking by Share of U.S. Economy (Q3 2023)

Texas is ranked second in terms of economic contribution to the U.S., behind California at 14%. This indicates Texas’ significant role in the overall U.S. economic landscape, thanks to its size and diverse industries.

Labor Market Shifts in Texas

Texas population has seen significant growth in its labor market, with an increase in its working-age population attributed largely to both domestic migration and international immigration. This growth has broadened the labor pool, which has been especially beneficial for sectors like technology and healthcare, where demand for specialized skills is high.

According to the Dallas Fed, Texas job growth was projected to increase by 1.4% in 2023, translating to an addition of approximately 193,000 jobs. However, overall growth in Texas job markets has moderated, indicating some slowing compared to earlier years of stronger expansion, like the 6.0% job growth seen in 2021.

The current labor market in Texas is tighter than what the headline employment figures may suggest. Even though job openings remain high, the unemployment rate doesn’t fully reflect challenges such as skills mismatches, lingering health concerns, and a shortage of qualified applicants.

A significant share of small businesses has reported difficulties in finding qualified candidates, and many employees are reluctant to return to work at pre-pandemic levels, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail.​

Housing Market Trends

• Median Home Price: In July 2024, the median home price in Texas rose to $337,382, representing a 1.4% increase month-over-month (MOM) according to Republic Title. Among major cities, Houston saw a median price of $341,283 (up 1.5%), while San Antonio reached $299,000 (up 1%). Austin experienced a modest rise of 0.3%, while Dallas saw a slight decline of 0.3% in home prices.
• Home Sales and Listings: Texas saw a 15.4% increase in home sales from June to July, with 27,049 homes sold statewide. as per TRERC. Major cities like Houston and Dallas experienced sales increases of 21.7% and 18.1% respectively. However, new listings across the state have been declining, which suggests a tightening housing supply. For instance, Houston saw a 24.7% drop in new listings, while Austin reported an 18.8% drop.
• Building Permits and Construction: There was a significant rebound in building permits in July, with a 26.3% MOM increase statewide. However, single-family construction starts fell by 4.3% to 12,542 units, reflecting a mixed trend in new housing availability.

Social and Political Implications

The shifting demographics in Texas have a profound effect on its electoral landscape. The population of Texas has grown more diverse, with 91% of new Texans being people of color. This demographic shift is likely to influence voting patterns, making Texas a more competitive electoral battleground.

As more newcomers participate in the voting process, political parties are adjusting their strategies to engage these new voters. The increased interest and involvement, particularly from communities that were previously underrepresented, could drastically alter the balance of political power in the state.

Healthcare System and Services

The rapid population growth in Texas has placed increased demands on healthcare services, resulting in significant challenges for providers and policy planners alike. The state, with a population of approximately 30 million as of 2024, has experienced issues in ensuring equitable access to healthcare facilities across different regions.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, healthcare services include a variety of critical care offerings such as immunizations, maternal care, and specialized treatment centers for chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer.

However, expanding these services to keep up with the needs of the growing population of Texas is a considerable challenge. Many regions, especially rural areas, continue to face shortages of healthcare professionals and essential facilities, putting pressure on urban centers that are already strained with increasing demands for specialized care.

Public clinics and maternal health services are increasingly essential, especially in regions with a high percentage of births, as 5.7% of women aged 15-50 gave birth within the past year—higher than the national average of 5.2% according to Census Reporter. Expanding maternal and newborn care services is crucial as birth rates remain above average, adding to the healthcare system’s pressures.

For those without insurance or those requiring specific health services like immunizations, the 2-1-1 Texas program provides support and direction, connecting residents to public clinics and offering essential medical services, including immunization clinics, rehabilitation, and maternal care.

This type of support helps ease some of the burdens placed on the healthcare system, but challenges in terms of capacity and equitable distribution remain significant.

Education System Challenges

Texas has also seen considerable shifts in its education system due to the growing population, leading to a pressing need for expanded school infrastructure and educational services. As of 2024, Texas faced significant challenges with its school enrollment numbers, which are still rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) data shows a renewed focus on enrollment trends in higher education, with specific emphasis on expanding access to underrepresented groups to meet the state’s evolving economic needs.

The educational attainment in Texas is slightly below the national average, with 86.1% of the population having a high school diploma or higher compared to 89.6% nationwide. Similarly, only 33.9% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 35.7% nationally as per Census Reporter.

To address this gap, the state is actively working to expand access to educational opportunities, particularly in higher education institutions, to build a workforce equipped to meet the future demands of key sectors like healthcare and technology.

Comparison With Other States

Texas is currently the second most populous state in the United States, boasting a population of over 30 million residents as of 2024. This significant number is only surpassed by California, which remains the most populous state, with a population of nearly 39 million.

However, the growth dynamics between these states have diverged markedly over recent years, largely due to migration patterns and economic shifts.

Population Growth Rates

• Texas: The population of Texas is growing at an approximate annual rate of 1.8%. This growth rate reflects the state’s booming economy and continued influx of both domestic and international migrants. Texas has also become a popular destination for businesses and individuals seeking a lower cost of living compared to California.
• California: By contrast, California’s population growth has stagnated, with some estimates even indicating a decline in certain years. This slowdown is attributed to multiple factors, including the rising cost of living, housing shortages, and an increasing trend of residents moving to other states. In 2021, California experienced its first recorded population decline, and growth has remained sluggish since then, at a rate well below 0.5% annually.
• Florida: Florida is the third most populous state in the U.S., with a population of around 22 million as of 2024. Florida has maintained steady growth, driven by both domestic and international migration, particularly among retirees and those attracted to its favorable tax environment. Florida’s growth rate is approximately 1.3% per year, which, while significant, does not match the rapid expansion observed in Texas.

Projected Population Growth

• Texas is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, with projections indicating that the population could exceed 45 million by 2040. This expansion will significantly impact infrastructure needs, healthcare, education, and political representation.
• California’s growth outlook remains less robust. Challenges such as high housing costs and migration outflows are expected to keep the growth modest, with some estimates suggesting its population may stabilize rather than increase substantially over the coming decades.
• Florida is also projected to grow, reaching 26 million by 2040. The state’s aging population and a steady influx of new residents will continue to fuel its growth, albeit at a slower rate compared to Texas.

Texas County Population 2024

Policy Responses and Recommendations

As the population has increased by 40% since 2000, with a significant rise among people of color, policymakers must address these changes with nuanced strategies for representation and resource allocation.

Reliable demographic data should inform redistricting to ensure fair political representation. The existing political maps have not kept pace with demographic shifts, leading to disproportionate representation. This can be addressed through transparent redistricting processes that reflect the diverse population of Texas.

Education and infrastructure require urgent attention. As population densities rise in urban and suburban areas, education systems need additional funding to accommodate student influxes.

Building more schools and improving existing facilities can help manage this growth. Investment in infrastructure, like roads and public transport, would aid in reducing congestion in growing cities.

Recommendations

• Conduct detailed studies on population shifts for informed policy development.
• Increase funding for public education to meet the needs of growing student bodies.
• Prioritize infrastructure improvements to handle urban and suburban expansion.

Incorporating these recommendations into state policies will address the evolving needs of Texas’s dynamic demographic landscape. Such measures can ensure that all Texans benefit equitably from economic and social opportunities in the state.