Kaufman County Leads Texas in Population Growth

Affordability and economic opportunity drive eastward expansion from Dallas.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:24pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of architectural blueprints, a ruler, and a pen, conceptually representing the planning and development driving population growth in Kaufman County.As housing costs rise in the Dallas metro, Kaufman County's rapid population growth reflects the eastward expansion of residential and economic development.Kaufman Today

Kaufman County, Texas saw a 5.6% population increase from June 2024 to July 2025, the highest growth rate in the state and third-highest in the nation. The county's population rose by over 11,000 to an estimated 209,235, driven by positive natural increase and gains from domestic and international migration. Housing development is booming, with around 3,000 new units planned or under construction in the city of Kaufman alone, which could nearly double the city's current population of over 9,500 in the next decade.

Why it matters

Kaufman County's rapid population growth reflects broader trends of affordability and economic opportunity pushing development eastward from the Dallas metro area. As housing costs rise in the urban core, outlying counties are attracting new residents seeking more affordable living options while still maintaining access to jobs and amenities.

The details

The Census Bureau data shows Kaufman County leading Texas in percentage population growth from June 2024 to July 2025, with a 5.6% increase. This growth added over 11,000 residents, bringing the county's total population to an estimated 209,235. The growth is attributed to positive natural increase as well as gains from both domestic and international migration.

  • From June 2024 to July 2025, Kaufman County saw a 5.6% population increase.
  • The county's population grew by over 11,000 during this period.

The players

Kaufman Economic Development Corp.

The economic development organization for Kaufman County, Texas, which expects the rapid population growth to continue due to a steady pipeline of new housing development.

City of Kaufman

A city within Kaufman County that currently has a population of over 9,500, but is seeing around 3,000 new housing units planned or under construction, which could nearly double the city's population in the next decade.

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What they’re saying

“Kaufman County is growing faster than any other part of North Texas, adding thousands of residents in the past year as affordability and economic opportunity push growth east of Dallas.”

— Stewart McGregor, Executive Director, Kaufman Economic Development Corp.

The takeaway

Kaufman County's rapid population growth highlights the ongoing shift of development and migration from the Dallas urban core to more affordable outlying areas. As housing costs continue to rise in the region, the eastward expansion of residential and economic activity is likely to persist, transforming communities like Kaufman County in the process.