Population Booms in Texas: Nine of the Fastest Growing U.S. Cities Between 2020-2023

Photo byTexas A&M

Texans have much to cheer about. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, nine of the ten U.S. cities and towns with the fastest population growth from 2020 to 2023 are in the Lone Star State.

Celina, Texas topped the list with a staggering 143% increase in population. The city's population grew from over 17,800 in July 2020 to more than 43,300 by July 2023. Residents attribute this rapid growth to the city’s safety, economic health, and high quality of life, based on a 2022 community engagement survey.

Fulshear, Texas, located 30 miles west of Houston, also saw significant growth, with its population more than doubling from 17,558 in 2020 to 42,616 in 2023.

With a 14.8% drop in population over the course of three years, Big Spring, Texas, saw the fastest rate of reduction in state population. Among the ten American cities and towns with the biggest population decreases, it is the only one from Texas.

Texas led the list of the cities with the greatest rate of growth, but the places experiencing the worst population declines are dispersed across the country, with three entries from California, including San Francisco.

The state's relatively lower cost of living and the absence of personal income tax make it an attractive destination. Additionally, Texas ranked No. 3 in CNBC’s 2024 top states for business rankings. Since 2000, the state’s population has been growing faster than nearly any other state, with domestic migration playing a larger role than international migration in this growth.

What do you think? Why is the state growing so fast? Leave your comment below.