Texas State Data Center Population Estimates Released

The Texas State Data Center released new population estimates for cities and counties showing that Austin added just over 50,000 people from January 1, 2008 to 2009, the second most of any city in Texas. Here's a look at the twenty biggest population gainers in the state. The total population estimate is as of January 1, 2009.

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With an estimated population of 1,009,466, Travis County topped 1 million for the first time in any of the publicly available data sources. Other area counties also reached notable population milestones. Williamson exceeded 400K with an estimated 403,200; and Hays surpassed 150K with 151,664 residents and the region’s best 6.6% growth rate from 2008.

The five county metropolitan region grew by 5.4% over the past year reaching an estimated population of 1.67 million, compared to a 1.8% growth rate for the entire State of Texas which now has at total of 24.5 million people.

Population estimates are calculated starting with the decennial Census as the base year and simulating change in population based on local data such as school enrollment records, housing construction, and birth and death rates.

With Census 2010 just a few months away, capturing an accurate count is critical, as the population number will be with us in some form for the next ten years.

We think we know how many people live in our cities and counties, but until those numbers get recorded it is still just an educated guess. Federal and State funding for programs, political representation and much more are at stake with those official numbers.

The counting will begin by middle March 2010 when Census forms are mailed or delivered to each address.

To see the population estimates for all Cities, Census Designated Places, and Counties in the CAPCOG region, visit our information clearinghouse.

Chris Ramser