Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau highlights the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan area in 2023, with over 150,000 newcomers choosing to settle there.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area now boasts a total population of 8.1 million, representing the most substantial numeric population increase among all U.S. metro areas. Following closely behind is the Houston-Pasadena-Woodlands area, which gained 139,789 residents, bringing its total population to 7.5 million. Meanwhile, Austin experienced commendable growth, with over 50,000 individuals joining its ranks, securing its position as the seventh-fastest-growing metropolitan area.
Eight of the ten fastest-growing counties nationwide were in Texas, affirming the state's prominence in population expansion as reported in Dec. 2023 by the U.S. Census Bureau. This included Harris County, which came in at number 1, adding 53,788 residents and was the largest-gaining county in the nation. Collin County (36,364) and Montgomery County (31,800) follow closely behind, ranking second and third, respectively.
However, while many Texas counties experienced substantial population gains — five of the ten listed — growth dynamics within the DFW counties varied. Collin County witnessed a robust influx of new residents, ranking fourth with 20,749 newcomers, while Denton County followed closely behind at fifth with 19,262 new residents. On the other hand, Dallas County experienced a notable outflow, with over 34,000 individuals relocating away from the county, marking a significant increase from previous years.
While the Census Bureau refrains from speculating on the causes of population changes, the population growth observed in DFW is not just about numbers. It holds significant economic implications. As reported by Local Profile last year, the Dallas-Fort Worth region saw the highest year-over-year job growth rate in the U.S. in 2023. Moreover, its unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in April 2023, reflecting an 8.5% decrease from April 2020. This data paints a promising picture of the region's economic future.
To access the full report, visit the following link.
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