Population Growth & Distribution GOVT 2306, Module 1

Big How populous is Texas compared with other states?

Texas Population Texas is the nation's second most populous state. In 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population of Texas was 27 million. Only California, with 39 million people, had a larger population.

Most populous states in order: Population by State Most populous states in order: California Texas Florida New York

Based on the map, does it appear that Texas is growing rapidly? Population Change 2010-2013 Based on the map, does it appear that Texas is growing rapidly? Yes

More than any other state Since 2010, Texas has added 2 million residents, more than any other state. Only North Dakota (13 %) and the District of Columbia (12 %) have grown at a faster percentage rate. Texas grew 9 %.

Population Growth by State What do we call this region (Northeast & Midwest)? Frostbelt What do we call this region (South and West? Sunbelt

Quiz How does Texas compare with other states in terms of population and land area? It is # 1 on both measures. It is # 2 on both measures. It is # 1 by population but # 2 by land area. It is # 1 by land area but # 2 by population. The answer is B.

2010 Reapportionment

Fastest Growing Cities

2014 2014 Data

Population Distribution Growth is taking place around big cities and in South Texas. Is the western or eastern part of the state more populous? Eastern

Population Change by County What types of counties are losing population? Rural counties What types of counties are gaining the most rapidly? Suburban counties

The state's rural areas are growing slowly or, in some cases, losing population.

Quiz A couple leave Houston and drive northwest. They will encounter which of the following? Fewer people Less rainfall Higher elevation All of the above The answer is D.

They are suburban or metro counties surrounding Houston. Growth by Texas County What do the top three counties have in common? They are suburban or metro counties surrounding Houston.

Big Cities in Texas City 2010 Population Percentage Increase Between 2000 and 2010 Censuses Houston 2,099,000 7.5 % San Antonio 1,327,000 16.0 Dallas 1,198,000 0.8 Austin 790,000 20.4 Fort Worth 741,000 38.6 El Paso 649,000 15.2 Arlington 365,000 9.8 Corpus Christi 305,000 10.0 Plano 260,000 17.0 Laredo 236,000 33.7 Houston is the 4th largest city in the nation, San Antonio the 7th, and Dallas the 9th.

Question What are the two reasons for population change (either in Texas or in any other state)?

Reasons for Population Change Natural Increase Net Immigration The extent to which live births exceed deaths. The extent to which in migration exceeds out migration.

Birthrate Why do you think the birth rate in Texas is relatively high? (Only Utah has a higher rate.) The state’s population is relatively young.

Ratio of Births to Deaths

Age distribution Are Texans younger or older than the nation as a whole? The average age in Texas is 33.6 compared with 37.2 in the United States. What do these data indicate about future growth?

Immigration The state's population also grows because of immigration. Between 2000 and 2010, Texas recorded a net gain of 1.9 million residents from international and domestic immigration combined. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, 1.7 million undocumented residents lived in Texas in 2010; only California had a larger number of unauthorized residents.

Pct. Foreign Born

Unauthorized Population Does the Houston area have a relatively large undocumented population? Yes

Impact of Rapid Population Growth Opportunities Challenges Increased seats in Congress More federal grant money Increased tax and fee revenue Economic growth Increased demand for public services, including education, transportation, public safety, etc.

Quiz Which areas of the state are growing most rapidly? Suburban counties outside big cities Inner city areas of major cities Rural counties All three of the above areas are growing at roughly the same rate. The answer is A.

What You Have Learned How does the population of Texas compare with other states in terms of size and growth rate? What accounts for the state’s growth rate? How does population growth affect the state? How is the population distributed within the state in terms of regions and urban-rural-suburban areas?