Where Are People Moving in Texas? 2025 Migration Trends

Texas continues to experience significant population movement, not only from other states but also within its own borders as residents shift between fast-growing metros and emerging suburban corridors. Lower living costs, strong job creation, and a diverse economy are driving both in-state and out-of-state migration.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas has added more new residents than any other state for several consecutive years, with growth fueled by affordability, expanding industries, and evolving lifestyle preferences across regions.

As major hubs like Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio continue to expand, surrounding suburbs and mid-size cities are absorbing much of the demand, reshaping the state’s population landscape.

Texas cities people are moving to in 2025

The largest metros continue to dominate population growth, supported by gains in surrounding suburbs. Updated migration data shows Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio attracting the most new residents due to job density, housing availability, and expanding infrastructure.

At the same time, mid-size cities such as Frisco, Round Rock, and McKinney remain among the fastest-growing communities in the country due to strong schools, modern housing, and proximity to major employment centers.

Austin: Tech hub and cultural magnet

Austin continues to see strong inbound migration, adding more than 50,000 residents across the metro in the last year, according to Census Vintage 2024 data. The Austin–Round Rock metro has grown nearly 44 percent since 2010, one of the highest growth rates in the U.S.

Austin remains a top relocation destination thanks to ongoing tech expansion. Major employers and remote workers are continuing to fuel demand, reinforcing Austin’s reputation as a national innovation cluster. Its cultural appeal, including music, food, and outdoor recreation, draws young professionals seeking lifestyle advantages.

Dallas–Fort Worth: Corporate relocations and suburban expansion

Dallas–Fort Worth is the nation’s fastest-growing metro, adding 152,000 residents in a single year, the highest numeric gain in the United States. DFW’s growth is powered by consistent corporate migration and rapid suburban development. Cities like Frisco, Plano, and McKinney continue to post double-digit gains as families pursue high-quality schools and master-planned communities. The region also benefits from a diverse base of Fortune 500 headquarters and ongoing infrastructure investment.

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Houston: Energy, healthcare, and diversity

Houston added nearly 140,000 residents in the last year, ranking second nationally in total population gain. The Houston metro has exceeded 7.5 million residents and remains one of the most diverse regions in the United States.

Houston’s population gains are supported by its role as a global center for healthcare, energy, and international migration. The Texas Medical Center remains the largest medical complex in the world, driving sustained job creation. Houston’s affordability and diverse cultural communities continue to attract residents from across the U.S. and abroad.

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San Antonio: Affordable living with big-city perks

San Antonio added approximately 48,000 residents over the past year, marking another period of steady growth. San Antonio appeals to both families and retirees seeking value. The city maintains a lower cost of living than Austin while offering major-city amenities, job opportunities, and a strong cultural identity. Its consistent population gains reflect a balanced mix of affordability and livability.

Popular smaller cities people are moving to

Smaller cities across Texas are seeing notable migration due to affordability and quality of life. Georgetown, New Braunfels, Cedar Park, and Conroe rank among the most popular smaller destinations, supported by strong housing markets and proximity to larger metros.

Georgetown: Retiree-friendly and family-focused growth

Georgetown continues to post some of the strongest population gains in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Georgetown was the fastest-growing city in the United States by percent change in 2022 among cities with at least 50,000 residents. This growth is driven by retirees and young families seeking lower housing costs, historic small-town charm, and access to high-quality community services.

With planned neighborhoods, expanding amenities, and easy access to the Austin metro, Georgetown has surpassed 100,000 residents, according to city demographic reporting. Its combination of affordability and livability continues to attract steady in-state and out-of-state migration.

New Braunfels: River lifestyle and commuter appeal

New Braunfels is experiencing some of the fastest growth in the nation, fueled by its strategic location along the I-35 corridor and its strong outdoor lifestyle appeal. Recent data shows the city reported a 12.49 percent population increase between 2022 and 2023, adding more than 12,000 residents in a single year.

The city’s economic benchmark study also notes that New Braunfels’ population has grown by over 72 percent since 2014, making it a top destination for movers seeking recreation, hill-country scenery, and commuter convenience between Austin and San Antonio. With expanding job opportunities, modern housing, and river-based recreation, New Braunfels remains one of Texas’ most dynamic small-city markets.

What’s driving Texas migration trends in 2025

Migration patterns in 2025 reflect a combination of affordability, employment opportunity, and lifestyle preferences. Many movers cite lower housing prices compared to California, New York, and Illinois, along with more space and flexibility in suburban Texas developments.

-Interstate migration from coastal states remains strong. California has been the top outbound source of new Texas residents for several years, according to Census Bureau migration flows. Housing affordability, tax advantages, and job access remain the primary motivators.

Job opportunities and economic expansion

BLS reports consistently show that Texas leads the nation in annual job gains, adding more jobs than any other state and growing faster than the national average.. The state’s major growth sectors include technology, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, all of which offer competitive wages and long-term stability.

Lower cost of living and housing affordability

Housing costs remain significantly lower than in many major U.S. coastal markets. Even with rising demand, Texas still offers more accessible entry-level homeownership and competitive rental pricing compared to states with stricter land-use regulations and higher taxation.

Climate, culture, and lifestyle appeal

Texas’ warm climate, outdoor recreation, and strong cultural identity continue attracting individuals looking for more livable conditions year-round. Outdoor amenities and open-space development play a meaningful role in attracting young families and retirees alike.

Challenges of Texas population growth

Population growth is not without obstacles. Housing demand continues to place upward pressure on home prices, especially in high-growth metros. Infrastructure strain, including traffic congestion and transit capacity, is a persistent challenge in regions like Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth.

Environmental considerations are becoming more pronounced as well. Increased water demand, greater energy consumption, and expanding land use create added complexity for long-term planning across the state.

How migration is reshaping Texas in 2025

Texas migration trends are reshaping the state’s physical and cultural landscape. Suburban sprawl continues to extend metro boundaries, while urban revitalization projects attract young professionals back into city cores. Shifting demographics are also contributing to greater cultural diversity statewide.

Growing populations are influencing long-term energy planning, sustainability strategies, and infrastructure investment across Texas. As these trends accelerate, having a reliable electricity plan that fits your neighborhood matters more than ever. Enter your zip code below to view current rates and choose a simple, transparent fixed-rate plan from BKV Energy!

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley, Digital Marketing Manager at BKV Energy, leads digital and traditional marketing strategies, focusing on educating Texans about the state's deregulated energy market. With over 8 years of marketing experience, he creates content to help consumers understand and save on their energy bills, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry.