Collin, Tarrant, and Denton Counties Drive North Texas Past 8.3 Million Residents

North Texas counties see staggering growth as Fort Worth edges closer to 1 million residents

DALLAS — North Texas remains the most populated region in Texas, surpassing 8.3 million residents, driven by explosive growth in Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties, according to new data from the Texas Demographic Center.

Between 2020 and January 2024, North Texas added over 560,000 new residents, with Collin County leading the charge. The county welcomed nearly 145,000 residents in four years, bringing its population to 1.2 million.

Cities like McKinney and Frisco now each boast 220,000 residents, while Celina has more than doubled, growing from 17,000 in 2020 to 43,000 residents today.

“Location is key,” said Joe Monaco, Director of Marketing & Communications for Celina. “We’re just 40 miles from Dallas, with Preston Road and the Tollway expansion driving growth and opportunity.”

Denton County also saw impressive gains, surpassing the 1 million mark with over 100,000 new residents since 2020. Neighboring Kaufman County experienced 26.7% growth, the highest percentage increase in Texas, adding nearly 39,000 people. Rockwall County followed closely, growing by 25%, or about 28,000 residents.

Fort Worth Edges Austin in Population Race

We’re No. 12! Fort Worth Population Continues To Go Boom https://t.co/894P9jg26K

— Fort Worth Magazine (@FWTXmag) May 16, 2024

Tarrant County grew by 93,000 residents — a 4.4% increase — bringing its total population to 2.2 million. Fort Worth alone added more than 70,000 residents, pushing its population to nearly 990,000. New estimates suggest Fort Worth may now surpass Austin, which stands at 987,000 residents, as the fourth most populous city in Texas.

“Growth has been explosive,” said Jaime Resendiz, a real estate agent and host of The DFW Homeowner YouTube channel. “Demand for homes in North Texas, especially north of Dallas, is through the roof, and prices reflect that.”

Minimal Growth in Dallas County

While surrounding counties boom, Dallas County saw just 0.6% growth over four years — adding only 16,000 residents — with its population holding steady at 2.6 million.

North Texas Growth in Numbers

• Collin County: 145,000 new residents, now 1.2 million
• Denton County: Over 100,000 new residents, surpassing 1 million
• Kaufman County: Grew 26.7%, adding 39,000 residents
• Tarrant County: 93,000 new residents, now 2.2 million
• Fort Worth: Nearly 990,000 residents, closing in on 1 million

Future Projections

The Texas Demographic Center estimates Collin County could reach 1.6 million residents by 2040 and 2.4 million by 2060 if growth rates continue. Meanwhile, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area has grown to 8.1 million people, continuing its trajectory as one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

“There’s no sign of slowing,” said Resendiz. “The north is where families and businesses want to be, and it shows.”