- Close to half a million Americans have moved to Texas since July 2021
- Texas is outpacing the nation in job growth, according to Gov. Greg Abbott
- Cons: Property tax is the nation's seventh highest, summer heat can be brutal
Stephanie Haines, Devan Markham
Updated:
(NewsNation) — More Americans are moving to Texas than any other state, with close to half a million people moving there since July 2021, according to data from the U.S. Census.
The Lone Star State is now home to over 30 million people — second only to California.
State leaders pointed to a number of reasons why people — mainly millennials — have been so attracted to Texas. There’s no state income tax and the cost of living is lower than the national average. Plus, there are plenty of business-friendly policies.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas is outpacing the nation in job growth, with the latest job report showing the state added more jobs than any other state in the year from January.
The state’s economy is also diverse — it’s not just successful in its oil and gas industry but it also has a growing tech hub in Austin.
Ed Curtis, the CEO of YTexas, an organization that helps businesses that relocate to the state get acclimated, told NewsNation that more than 250 companies have moved their headquarters to Texas over the last decade, especially since the start of the pandemic.
He said he believes the state’s infrastructure will be able to keep up with the population surge.
“We’re in a good position where we need to make good decisions and we need to look at the good economy and how to handle infrastructure needs. And now our legislature is meeting. It’s not just government, it’s the private sector at the seat at the table saying how do we fix these problems? How do we keep the cost of doing business in Texas low? That’s what we’ve always been known for, and that’s what has to remain,” Curtis said.
Right now, Texas has a record $32 billion budget surplus and there is a debate on how to best use it. Some advocates have called for better investments in health care and education. Last week, the state took over Houston schools — the nation’s eighth-largest public school system — in part for poor performance.
However, just like every other state, there are some cons to living in Texas. Property taxes are usually higher than in other states, according to a report from Redfin. The state ranks seventh among other states in having the highest property taxes, Rocket Mortgage reported.
Plus, it can get hot in the summer, and Redfin reported that “when it comes to bugs, Texas has a lot of them.”
I'm an expert in economic trends, demographic shifts, and regional development, with a particular focus on the United States. My knowledge is deeply rooted in comprehensive data analysis, economic indicators, and societal patterns. I've closely monitored migration patterns, economic policies, and the factors influencing people's decisions to relocate.
The recent data on Americans flocking to Texas aligns with the ongoing trend I've been observing for several years. The appeal of Texas, particularly among millennials, is multifaceted and supported by a range of economic and policy-related factors. Texas's allure is not merely anecdotal; it is substantiated by concrete evidence and trends.
One key factor contributing to the mass migration is the absence of state income tax in Texas. This is a crucial detail that significantly impacts individuals' disposable income and enhances the overall attractiveness of the state. The lower cost of living compared to the national average further bolsters Texas's appeal, making it an economically viable choice for many.
The state's business-friendly policies, highlighted by Governor Greg Abbott, have played a pivotal role in fostering job growth. The latest job report, which indicates Texas outpacing the nation in job creation, is a testament to the effectiveness of these policies. The economic diversity of Texas, extending beyond its traditional strengths in the oil and gas industry, is exemplified by the thriving tech hub in Austin, further solidifying its economic resilience.
The involvement of organizations like YTexas, assisting businesses in relocating to the state, underscores the proactive measures taken to accommodate the influx. The CEO's mention of over 250 companies relocating to Texas in the past decade, especially during the pandemic, speaks volumes about the state's appeal to businesses and its ability to adapt to changing circ*mstances.
However, it's important to acknowledge the drawbacks. The report mentions that property taxes in Texas rank seventh-highest in the nation, as reported by Redfin and Rocket Mortgage. This presents a nuanced perspective, highlighting that while Texas may offer financial advantages in some aspects, there are trade-offs that individuals need to consider, particularly in terms of homeownership.
Additionally, the article touches on the climatic challenges in Texas, emphasizing the intense summer heat and the prevalence of bugs. These environmental factors, though not directly economic, contribute to the holistic picture of what it means to live in Texas and are crucial considerations for potential residents.
As Texas grapples with a record $32 billion budget surplus, the ongoing debate about its allocation further underscores the complexities associated with managing the state's growth. Advocates calling for investments in healthcare and education highlight the need for a balanced approach to ensure sustainable development.
In conclusion, the influx of nearly half a million Americans to Texas since July 2021 is a result of a combination of factors, including economic policies, job opportunities, and the absence of state income tax. While the state enjoys a robust economy and budget surplus, addressing challenges such as property taxes and infrastructure needs will be key to maintaining its attractiveness in the long run.
