Texas Population 2026
Size, growth, and national ranking
Everything really is bigger in Texas — starting with the headcount. With more than 31 million residents and growing faster than any other state by raw numbers, Texas carries political weight that only California can rival. Here's how the Lone Star State stacks up.
Top 10 U.S. States by Population
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 estimates
Why It Matters for Politics
Texas's size is why it dominates the national political conversation. At 31.3 million people, the state commands 38 Congressional seats and 40 Electoral College votes — more than any state except California. The population is roughly 40% Hispanic, 40% White non-Hispanic, 13% Black, and 5% Asian, making it one of the most diverse electorates in the country. The metros driving growth — Dallas–Fort Worth (8.1M), Houston (7.3M), San Antonio (2.7M), and Austin (2.4M) — are the same metros shaping statewide election outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Texas?
Texas has an estimated population of approximately 31.3 million as of 2024, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates. It is the 2nd most populous state in the country, behind only California.
What rank is Texas by population?
Texas is the 2nd most populous state in the United States, behind California (#1) and ahead of Florida (#3).
Is Texas population growing?
Yes. Texas has posted the largest numeric population gain of any U.S. state for three consecutive years. The state added approximately 563,000 residents in 2023–2024 alone, a growth rate of +1.83%.
How many Congressional seats does Texas have?
Texas has 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 40 Electoral College votes. The state gained 2 Congressional seats after the 2020 census, reflecting its rapid population growth.
What are the largest cities in Texas?
Houston is the most populous city in Texas, followed by San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. The Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area is the state's largest metro at over 8.1 million residents.
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