Texas Is The Fastest Growing State

Once again, it looks like Texas is leading the nation in population growth. From July 2007 to July 2008, Texas added 483,542 people to its population. That brings the total population in Texas to 24.3 million people -- the second most populous state in the union.

Only California has more people than Texas (with 36.8 million). California added 379,132 people last year. Texas gained more people than California last year because while Texas has gained in all three catagories (births, international migration and state-to-state migration), California only gained in two catagories. In state-to-state migration, California actually had 144,000 more people move to other states than moved in from other states.

Here are the top ten states in population gain:

1.	Texas	483,542
2.	California	379,132
3.	North Carolina	180,820
4.	Georgia	162,447
5.	Arizona	146,759
6.	Florida	128,814
7.	Washington	99,713
8.	Colorado	96,686
9.	Illinois	75,754
10.	South Carolina	74,886

Supposedly, Texas is growing so rapidly because of its economy. While the economy is slowing down in Texas, it is one of the few states that is still adding jobs. Those moving in may be disappointed to find that while Texas is adding jobs, most of those are not great jobs. Texas is traditionally one of the lower-paying states with very few union jobs. Most of the new jobs are in the service sector and pay poverty wages, but I guess in the current economy any job is better than none.

The huge job growth since 2000 looks like it will make Texas the big winner when the House of Representatives is re-shuffled after the 2010 census. It is looking like Texas will get four (4) additional seats in the House. Other states adding seats are Arizona (2), Georgia (1), Nevada (1), South Carolina (1), Utah (1) and Florida (1-2).

California may actually be in danger of losing a seat for the first time since becoming a state, especially if the migration to other states continues. Other states that will probably lose seats are Ohio (2) and one (1) each from Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

I don't really have a problem with Texas experiencing this kind of growth. It's a big state and there's plenty of room. But there is one problem I see. At this time, Texas simply does not have the water resources to sustain this kind of growth. When it meets in early 2009, the Texas legislature needs to address this problem. Any further delay could result in serious problems.

And to all of you new Texans -- WELCOME to Texas. I just hope you understand that we are a multi-lingual and multi-cultural state, and always have been. We like it that way, and I hope you do too.