Texas Population in 2024 – Closer Look at The Demographics

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

The population of Texas reached approximately 30,976,800 residents according to World Population Review.

In the last census of 2020, it had 29,145,505 residents.

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 30,976,800 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.

Residents are diverse in ethnicity and culture. The demographic breakdown includes a mix of Hispanic, Caucasian, African American, and Asian populations.

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.

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 almost evenly between males and females, with each accounting for almost 50% or little above 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. Meanwhile, Arkansas saw a positive shift with its unemployment rate dropping from 3.5% in January to 3.3% by June.

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

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.

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 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.

Healthcare System and Services

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.

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.

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.

Education System Challenges

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.

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.

Population Growth Rates Texas Vs Some States

• 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.
• North Texas continues to be the most populous area in the state, exceeding 8.3 million people, fueled by rapid growth in Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties, based on recent data from the Texas Demographic Center.
• 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.

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.

Crime in Texas

Crime rates vary across Texas, with the state averaging a violent crime rate of 5.921 per 1,000 residents, earning a C- grade in violent crime—slightly above the national average. Property crimes also impact Texas’s overall C grade for safety.

Crime Grades and Frequency

Crime Type	Grade	Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime	C-	5.921
Property Crime	C	N/A
Other Crime	C	N/A

• Crime Frequency: A crime is committed every 21 seconds in Texas.
• Home Security: Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to experience burglary.

Breakdown of Violent Crimes

Crime Type	Rate per 1,000 Residents
Assault	3.739
Robbery	1.604
Rape	0.530
Murder	0.0475

Regional Safety Insights

• Safest Region: Northeast Texas, with a violent crime risk of 1 in 303.
• Higher Crime Region: Western Texas, where violent crime risks reach 1 in 42.

Methodology

To craft this article, we employed a comprehensive methodology, beginning with an analysis of demographic data from reputable sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and World Population Review to highlight Texas’s rapid population growth and diverse demographics.

We then examined recent economic statistics, including GDP and employment data, to capture the state’s economic dynamism and industry drivers.

Trends in social factors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, were identified using government reports and recent studies to understand population impacts.

Finally, we integrated comparative analysis with other U.S. states to provide context on Texas’s unique growth trajectory and the implications for future policy considerations.

References:

1. World Population Review – Texas Population 2024
2. Census.gov – QuickFacts Texas
3. Demographics.texas.gov – Texas Population Estimates Program
4. Census Reporter – Texas
5. Neilsberg – Population By Race
6. Usafacts.org – Economy of Texas
7. Gov.texas.gov – Texas Economic Snapshot
8. Dallasfed.org – Texas Economy, The labor market may be tighter than the level of employment suggests
9. Republictitle – Texas Housing Insight July 2024 Summary
10. Texastribune.org – Analysis: Texas’ population has changed much faster than its political maps
11. hhs.texas.gov – Health and Human Services Commission Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2023 to 2027, Part I