Texas Leads U.S. in Population Growth, But Immigration Slows

The Lone Star State added the most new residents in 2025, but at a slower pace than previous years due to a drop in immigration.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm

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According to new U.S. Census Bureau data, Texas added 391,243 residents in 2025, the most of any state. However, the state's population growth slowed significantly, with a 48% decline in the number of immigrants moving to Texas compared to the previous year. The overall U.S. population grew by less than half a percentage point in 2025, driven by a historic decline in net international migration.

Why it matters

Texas' slower population growth could have implications for the state's economic outlook, as the state demographer noted that the economic growth may not be as robust as it has been historically. The data also highlights the impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies on population trends in Texas and across the country.

The details

Texas added 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state's population to 31.7 million. However, the state's population growth slowed to 1.2%, its slowest pace since 2021. This slowdown was driven in part by a steep drop-off in the number of immigrants moving to Texas, which declined by 48% from the previous year. Nationally, net international migration to the United States fell by about 55% in 2025, a 'historic decline' that drove the overall slowdown in U.S. population growth.

  • In 2025, Texas added 391,243 residents, the most of any state.
  • In 2025, Texas' population grew by 1.2%, its slowest pace since 2021.
  • In 2025, the number of immigrants moving to Texas declined by 48% compared to the previous year.
  • In 2025, net international migration to the United States fell by about 55%.

The players

Lloyd Potter

The state demographer of Texas, who noted that the state's slower economic growth may not be as robust as it has been historically.

Christine Hartley

The assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the U.S. Census Bureau, who described the decline in net international migration to the U.S. as a 'historic decline'.

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What they’re saying

“I think the implication is our economic growth isn't probably going to be as hearty as what we've seen historically.”

— Lloyd Potter, State Demographer (The Texas Tribune)

“Net international migration to the United States fell by about 55% to 1.3 million in 2025 from 2.7 million the previous year, a 'historic decline' that drove the overall slowdown in U.S. population growth last year.”

— Christine Hartley, Assistant Division Chief for Estimates and Projections (The Texas Tribune)

What’s next

The Census Bureau projects that net international migration to the U.S. could further fall to 321,000 this year, which could lead to an even greater slowdown in population growth.

The takeaway

Texas' slower population growth, driven by a decline in immigration, could have significant economic implications for the state. This trend reflects the broader national slowdown in population growth due to a historic drop in international migration, which may continue in the coming years.