Fast Times
Which big city is growing the fastest in Texas? Surprisingly, it's not Houston
Just how much bigger will Texas' big cities be in 25 years? A new study from LawnStarter.com reveals the expected population growth for the state's five biggest cities by 2040, and while Houston is on the list, a surprising North Texas hotspot ranks No. 1.
Fort Worth is poised for the most explosive growth among big cities in Texas, says LawnStarter.
"The Texas Water Development Board’s projections indicate Cowtown’s headcount will approach 1.5 million in 2040. Translation: a population surge of nearly 84 percent from 2014 to 2040." Cowtown boasts a strong job market, proximity to DFW Airport and a vibrant downtown.
Houston is by far the largest city in Texas, with an estimated 2014 population of 2,239,558, but it ranks No. 5 on the list with a 16.3 percent grown rate in the next 25 years. In 2040, the population of Houston is projected to be 2,606,077.
Austin ranks second on the list, with an expected population increase between 2014 to 2040 of slightly more than 45 percent. To put it in perspective, Austin's projected population of 1,330,492 in 2040 will be the same as Dallas' population in 2014.
San Antonio comes in third, with an estimated population increase of 33 percent. In 2040, San Antonio's population is expected to be just shy of 2 million residents. At No. 4, Dallas' population is expected to grow nearly 20 percent, to 1,531,680.