Why Everyone Is Moving to Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas — including the population.
The Texas Tribune estimates 5.9 million people moved to Texas from 2005 to 2013. In that timeframe, Texas grew by an average of 345 people per day. And that’s accounting for people who left the state in the same period.
In 2016, Texas was home to five of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the United States, according to The Texas Comptroller’s office. Then the pandemic hit, and migration to Texas started accelerating. The growth shows no signs of stopping in the near future.
So why are so many people settling in the Lone Star State? Here are six reasons.
Diverse Communities
Texas is one of the most diverse states in the country, only trailing behind California, according to WalletHub. In Texas, you’ll find socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, religious and political diversity — all of which are valuable in painting the picture of what it means to be a Texan today.
The Texas Tribune reported that roughly 104,976 Texas migrants came from other countries in 2018, starting an ongoing trend of international migration exceeding domestic migration. As international migration continues to grow, Texas’ communities will strengthen.
Booming Economy
Texas has long been an economic powerhouse, with a diversified economy and a large gross domestic product. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Texas produces 9% of the U.S. GDP, second to only California again.
The American Growth Project found that Dallas has the fifth-fastest-growing economy among major U.S. metros, with a GDP growth rate of 3.1%. This local and statewide economic growth indicates consistent improvements in an average resident’s living standards and financial well-being.
Strong Job Market
You will find plenty of job opportunities in Texas, as the state holds a low unemployment rate and a high job growth rate. Texas’ job growth outpaced the U.S. across all sectors in 2021 and 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Texas has experienced impressive growth in the technology sector, with companies like Apple, Google and Amazon all announcing plans for significant expansions within the state. CNBC reported 237 relocation or expansion projects are progressing in Texas, resulting in an influx of new employment opportunities.
High Quality of Life
Texans experience high median household incomes and low cost of living, allowing them to have a higher quality of life than in some East- and West-Coast metros. As of October 22, the average annual salary in Texas was $52,380 per year, and in Dallas was $65,002, according to ZipRecruiter.
The median home sale price in Texas is around 13% lower than national averages, according to Redfin. Individuals and homeowners who are ready to become homeowners are trading in their California and New York apartments for Texas homes and wages.
Top-Rated Schools
It’s no secret that Texas has some of the best public and private schools in the country, from kindergarten through college. In 2022, 31 Texas schools won the National Blue Ribbon Award, given by the U.S. Secretary of Education, in recognition of overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps.
Texas also has six colleges and universities that landed in the U.S. News & World Report list of the top 100 best colleges. Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University are just a few of the higher-education institutions that made the cut.
Food Capital of the U.S.
You can’t talk about Texas without talking about its expansive food scene. After all, it was ranked the No. 1 food state in the U.S. by Thrillist in 2018, and the local dining options have only gotten stronger since then. Texas has something for every pallet, from brisket and burgers to Tex-Mex and seafood.
Texas has always been a force to be reckoned with, but in recent years, it has become a leading destination for individuals, families and employers looking for a change. As the state grows in strength and diversity, it will continue to draw in new generations of people looking to settle in the South.
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