Texas led the nation in raw population growth yet again in 2025, adding an impressive 391,243 residents to bring its total population to 31.7 million, according to census figures released Tuesday.
But there’s a twist to the Lone Star State’s continued dominance in the population race. The state’s 1.2% growth rate marked its slowest expansion since 2021, dropping Texas to fourth place among states when measured by percentage growth rather than raw numbers.
Immigration Slowdown Hits Nationwide
The deceleration in Texas mirrors a broader national trend. The U.S. population grew by less than half a percentage point in 2025, reaching 341.8 million — a significant slowdown from the 1% growth (adding 3.2 million people) recorded in 2024.
What’s behind the cooling numbers? Census officials point to a dramatic drop in international migration.
“Net international migration to the United States fell by about 55% to 1.3 million in 2025 from 2.7 million the previous year, a ‘historic decline’ that drove the overall slowdown in U.S. population growth last year,” said Christine Hartley, assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the Census Bureau, in a statement.
South Carolina claimed the title of fastest-growing state by percentage in 2025, with Idaho and North Carolina taking the second and third spots, respectively. Texas followed in fourth place — still impressive for a state of its size.
Natural Growth Remains Strong
Despite the immigration slowdown, Texas continues to benefit from strong natural population growth. The state registered 390,203 births compared to 232,492 deaths in 2025, resulting in a natural increase of 157,111 residents.
The long-term picture? Since 2020, Texas has added approximately 2.6 million residents — more than any other state. More than two-thirds of that growth has come from migration, both domestic and international, according to census data.
Looking to the Future
If current trends hold, Texas is on track for dramatic demographic changes in the coming decades. By 2036 — the state’s bicentennial — Texas is expected to gain between 3-5 million additional residents, projections show.
And by 2060? The state could be home to anywhere between 36 and 44 million people — potentially adding more than 12 million residents to its current population.
The composition of Texas’s population will shift significantly as well. By 2050, the Hispanic population is expected to become the largest racial/ethnic group in every age category in the state, according to demographic forecasts.
Perhaps most striking is the coming age shift. Who will make up the fastest-growing demographic in Texas between now and 2050? Seniors. The population of Texans aged 65 and older is projected to increase by more than 88% during that period, studies indicate.
So while Texas’s population growth may be slowing from its post-pandemic surge, the long-term trajectory remains clear: The state will continue getting bigger, more diverse, and — like much of America — significantly older.
