Texas added more residents than any other state in 2025, growing by more than 391,000 people, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. But the state’s overall growth rate slowed as international immigration declined sharply nationwide.
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In 2025, Texas had the largest influx of new residents, surpassing all other states. However, recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, released on January 27, indicate a notable deceleration in the state's population growth, attributed to a decline in international immigration nationwide.
Texas experienced a significant population increase, welcoming 391,243 new residents from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025. This growth has elevated the state's total population to an impressive 31.7 million. The data indicate a 1.2% annual increase, significantly exceeding the national growth rate of 0.5% recorded during the same period.
The recent population increase in Texas can be attributed to three primary factors: over 67,000 individuals relocated to the state from other states, more than 167,000 immigrants arrived from abroad, and the state experienced approximately 157,000 additional births compared to deaths.
Texas continues to lead the nation in raw growth; however, the state's economic pace has slowed since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. The state experienced a 2% growth rate between 2022 and 2023, followed by a 1.9% increase from 2023 to 2024.
State Demographer Lloyd Potter has linked the recent slowdown primarily to a decline in immigration levels.
In a February 5 interview with Community Impact, Potter noted that over 50% of Texas's population growth from 2023 to 2024 was due to international migration. He attributed a significant portion of that growth to what the Census Bureau defines as humanitarian immigration, which includes refugees. According to him, a significant portion of that growth was attributed to what the Census Bureau defines as humanitarian immigration, which encompasses refugees.
“There has been a significant slowdown,” Potter stated.
International immigration to Texas declined by nearly 53% in 2025 compared to the prior year. In 2025, the state recorded 167,475 new international arrivals, a significant decrease from 354,864 in 2024. The Census Bureau reports a significant decline in immigration nationwide, with a nearly 54% decrease.
Texas has maintained its position as the second-highest state in the nation for total international migrants, trailing only Florida.
Domestic migration has shown signs of moderation. In 2025, the state saw an influx of 67,299 residents relocating from other states, a decrease from the previous year's figure of 86,067. In 2022, Texas experienced a significant influx of domestic migrants, recording a net gain of 218,840 individuals.
Potter indicated that the deceleration in growth may provide a reprieve for local governments that have struggled to meet the escalating demand for housing, utilities, and transportation.
“The swift pace of growth is placing significant pressure on infrastructure,” Potter stated on February 5, emphasizing the necessity for communities to enhance housing, sewer and water systems, electricity, and transportation networks.
Recent data from the Texas Demographic Center reveals that suburban communities located outside major metropolitan areas, particularly in Montgomery, Tarrant, and Williamson counties, have experienced significant growth driven by migration recently.
Potter stated that the “slightly slower growth” presents cities and counties with a chance to advance infrastructure projects and enhance the management of long-term development.
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