It is said that everything is bigger and greater in Texas. But, is living in a fast-growing city or town the best thing, or a bad thing?
Well, most people will have varied responses to this question. But the truth is, living in a city with a fast growth and development rate comes with multiple benefits such as, increase in job and business opportunities, improved quality of life, expanded markets for products and services, among many other benefits. In this post, therefore, we will look at some of the fastest-growing cities in Texas in the last five or so years.
What are the top 10 fastest growing cities in Texas?
Frisco
Even though cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston are still expanding, it’s their suburban neighbors that are experiencing the most growth and development. This is mainly because the small cities and towns have more room for expansion and have more non-explored resources making them attractive to investors and people who are looking for new and interesting places to live.
With a population of roughly around 200,000 people, up from an estimated population of 116,000 in 2010, Frisco is a city with huge potential. Most people are moving to Frisco because of its relatively low reported crime rate of 86 crimes per 100,000 residents. In fact, it was ranked by CNN as the best place to live in 2018. According to the list of America’s Fastest-Growing Cities 2020, Frisco is ranked as the fastest-growing town in Texas and 6th nationally thanks to its impressive economic and demographics growth rate.
Fulshear
Second on the list is Fulshear, a town in Fort-Bend County in the Houston-Woodlands-Sugarlands Metropolitan area. It comprises a highly educated and affluent populace with an estimated 64% of the population having at least a bachelor’s degree. It has a population of 8,014 people and a median household income of around $167,000. It was ranked the richest suburban towns in the U.S by MSN.com in 2017.
Fulschear has a blooming community that generally boosts the quality of life within this area creating a vibrant business environment. The peaceful suburban atmosphere has enhanced its popularity, attracting many people from all over the world.
Selma
Selma is another fast growing city in Texas. It has a population of around 24,825 people (a population growth rate of 12.23%) and an estimated median household income of $41,560. Selma is a cosmopolitan community that comprises whites, Hispanics, and Asians. Its population comprises a majority of young people with its median age estimated to be 29.4. It has several attractive sites, parks, and recreational facilities. The parks provide a picnic site, playground, soccer field, and a full-size basketball court for its residents. Its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere makes it one of the best places to raise a family. Additionally, there are many companies, learning institutions, and businesses in Selma that offer jobs to thousands of people living in Selma, hence boosting its economy.
Conroe
Conroe is another Texas City whose population has grown tremendously over the last 20 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Conroe population has grown by over 100% since early 2000. During that time, the population size of Conroe was estimated to be 37,000. Twenty years later, the population is reported to be slightly above 93,000 with a population growth rate of around 3.05 percent. It has increased by around 65% from the 2010 census which reported a population size of 56, 207.
The high increase in Conroe’s population is attributed to the high numbers of people moving to Conroe – thanks to its cheaper home prices and undisturbed nature. The population is projected to hit the 100,000 mark come 2021.
Prosper
Wrapping up the top five is Prosper, a town in Collin and Denton Counties, Texas. It has an approximate population of 19,103 and a median income of $140,815. The unemployment and poverty rate are significantly lower as they are reported to be 2.7% and 3.6% respectively. Its total crime rate stands at 1,112 per 100,000 people. It offers a laid back, sub-urban feel that’s ideal for people who want to get away from the busy city life. Its average household income stands at $169,668 and a per capita income of $53,456.
Odessa
Odessa is a city in west Texas, surrounded by Fort Worth and El Paso to the east and west respectively. The town recorded a 16% population growth from a population of 99,940 reported in the 2010 census to 115,930 reported in the 2018 census. Apart from the significant population growth rate, Odessa has also an impressive economy – thanks majorly to the petroleum and oil resources that are found within its locality. Odessa, just like Midlands, Texas, is situated in the Permian region that is popularly known for its oil, petroleum and natural gas deposits. Odessa’s unemployment rate is 2.5 percent which is slightly lower than the national unemployment rate which stands at 3.5 percent.
Buda
Buda is a city found in Hay County, Texas with an estimated population of around 16, 163 people according to the 2018 census. This is a massive increase when compared to the 2010 reported population of 7, 343. Its unemployment rate is relatively low as it stands at 2.3 percent. The poverty level is reported to be 3.6 percent with a median household income of $84,011.
Fate
Fate is one of Dallas’s suburbs located in Rockwall county. It is among the best places to live in Texas as it offers that all important peace and quiet that you can only find in semi-urban towns. According to the 2018 census, the city had an estimated population of 11,703. It has a 2.8 percent and 1 percent unemployment and poverty rate respectively. Moreover, its cost of living is 1.1 times higher than the national average and has a relatively low crime rate of 554 crimes per 100,000 people.
Leander
Located in Travis and Williamson counties, Leander is one of the cities in Texas that has a remarkable growth rate. In fact, it is listed as the fourth fastest growing city in Texas. Its population is estimated to be 62,608 up from a population size of 26,521 reported in 2010. It is located north of Austin, and forms part of the Austin Metropolis. It has a 3.2 percent unemployment rate and a poverty rate of 4.8 percent. The cost of renting a house in Leander is relatively low as its median rent is reported to be $1495.
Fair Oaks Ranch
Situated right at the edge of the expansive Texas hill country, on the southeast of the magnificent small-town Boerne and northwest of San Antonio, is the beautiful city of Fair Oaks Ranch. It is popularly known for its gorgeous custom-build houses, breath-taking landscape and fine amenities. It has an estimated population of 10,587, a 98 percent increase from a population size of 5,986 reported in 2010. The city offers a countryside vibe with a touch of elegance and grandeur of a luxurious neighborhood. its cost of living is 2 times higher than the national average and has a 2 percent unemployment rate. Additionally, it has a 3.6% poverty rate and its median household income is $125,806.
