1. Population Growth & Distribution
GOVT 2306, Module 1

2. Big
How populous is Texas compared with other states?

3. 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.

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

6. Based on the map, does it appear that Texas is growing rapidly?
Population Change
Based on the map, does it appear that Texas is growing rapidly?
Yes

7. 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 %.

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

9. 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.

10. 2010 Reapportionment

11. Fastest Growing Cities

12. 2014
2014 Data

13. 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

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

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Ratio of Births to Deaths

23. 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?

24. 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.

26. Pct. Foreign Born

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

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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?