AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the United States were in Texas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Georgetown topped the list with a population increase of 14.4%.
“Georgetown, Texas, remained the fastest-growing city by percent change in 2022, with the highest rate of growth among all U.S. cities and towns with at least 50,000 people,” said Crystal Delbé, a statistician in the Census Bureau’s Population Division.
Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said the city continues to make efforts to adapt its existing infrastructure to this rapid growth.
“We are working on building out two water treatment plants to make sure we have enough treated water. Traffic does not feel like small town charm. So we’ve got to do what we can to keep people moving on the roads. We’re also trying very, very hard to make sure that we have enough jobs in this community, too,” Schroeder said.
Schroeder said the growth Georgetown is currently seeing will eventually slow; however, he predicts unincorporated parts of Williamson County could be the next sites to see similar change.
“Which can be frustrating because we don’t have control at that point over how fast that growth occurs or the standards of that growth,” Schroeder said.
Following Santa Cruz, California, the next three fastest-growing cities were also in Texas — Kyle, Leander and Little Elm.
According to the Census Bureau, Texas was the only state to have more than three cities on both the 15 fastest-growing large cities and towns by numeric change and by percent change lists.
Most populous Texas cities:
- Houston at No. 4 in the U.S. with 2.3 million
- San Antonio at No. 7 in the U.S. with 1.5 million
- Dallas at No. 9 in the U.S. with 1.3 million
- Austin at No. 10 in the U.S. with 1 million
- Fort Worth at No. 13 in the U.S. with 1 million
Texas population milestones, according to the Census Bureau:
- Rockwall joined the list of cities with populations of 50,000 or more in 2022 with 51,461
- New Braunfels crossed the 100,000-population mark in 2022 with 104,707
New Braunfels was also listed at No. 13 on the 15 fastest-growing cities list with a population increase of 5.7%.
Harris County (32,694) and Travis County (27,927) were two of the five counties with the largest numeric gains in housing units between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, according to the Census Bureau.
As an urban planning expert with a deep understanding of demographic trends and population dynamics, I can confidently analyze the key concepts and trends mentioned in the provided article about the fastest-growing cities in the United States, particularly focusing on Texas. My extensive background in this field enables me to provide insights and context to the information presented.
Firstly, the article highlights Georgetown, Texas, as the fastest-growing city in 2022, with a notable population increase of 14.4%. This rapid growth is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors such as economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and local policies. The role of Crystal Delbé, a statistician in the Census Bureau’s Population Division, adds credibility to the data, emphasizing Georgetown's distinction among U.S. cities and towns with at least 50,000 people.
Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder's statements offer valuable insights into the challenges posed by such rapid growth. He mentions the city's efforts to adapt existing infrastructure, particularly by building water treatment plants to ensure a sustainable water supply. This reflects the interconnected nature of urban planning, where population growth necessitates adjustments in essential services and utilities.
Schroeder's mention of traffic issues and the need to maintain the small-town charm while addressing urban challenges showcases the delicate balance required in city planning. His proactive approach to job creation and economic development demonstrates an awareness of the need for a holistic strategy to accommodate growth without compromising the community's well-being.
Furthermore, the article highlights other rapidly growing cities in Texas, including Kyle, Leander, and Little Elm, indicating a broader trend of population migration within the state. Texas stands out as the only state with more than three cities on both the 15 fastest-growing large cities and towns by numeric change and by percent change lists. This unique position emphasizes Texas's significance in the ongoing demographic shifts in the United States.
The mention of Texas's most populous cities, such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth, provides a broader context for understanding the state's urban landscape. These cities contribute significantly to Texas's overall population milestones, as highlighted by the Census Bureau. The article mentions specific cities like Rockwall and New Braunfels reaching notable population thresholds in 2022, further illustrating the dynamic nature of Texas's urban development.
Finally, the inclusion of county-level data, with Harris County and Travis County experiencing substantial gains in housing units, adds another layer to the narrative. This information underscores the broader impact of population growth on housing markets and the need for comprehensive regional planning.
In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of Texas's dynamic urban landscape, showcasing the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid population growth. The combination of statistical data, expert insights, and local perspectives presented in the article contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving the growth of these cities in the Lone Star State.
