Denton County has surpassed the 1 million mark in residential population, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
As of January 1, 2023, Denton County’s population was estimated at 1,006,492, demonstrating a 3.2 percent growth in the past year.
Four of the 44 communities within or with portions in Denton County were among the fastest growing cities by percent last year across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Celina grew by 38.8 percent, Haslet grew by 31 percent, Argyle grew by 20.3 percent, and Northlake grew by 18.7 percent, according to NCTCOG estimates.
Last year, the region added an estimated 161,433 people. Of those, about 31,334 or 3.2 percent, moved into Denton County.
“We knew Denton County was close to surpassing this milestone,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “With an estimated 86 people moving into Denton County every day, an additional 13,700-plus can be added to that total.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Williams’ precinct has seen significant growth along the 380 Corridor in Cross Roads (4.5%), Aubrey (12.8%), Providence Village (12.5%), Oak Point (9.8%), Little Elm (6.2%), Prosper (9.7%), and Frisco (3.5%).
“The significant growth along the 380 Corridor is exactly why we pushed up plans to expand U.S. 380 as quickly as possible,” Williams said. “We know the growth is far from over, and we want to ensure our residents can travel to and from their homes and work safely and efficiently.”
Growth continues in Southern Denton County even as the area has seen significant growth for decades.
“Our major cities in southern Denton County – Carrollton, Dallas, Lewisville, Plano, and The Colony – continue to see additional residents,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Kevin W. Falconer. “These five communities attracted 8,560 individuals, showing tremendous growth, which continues throughout Denton County and not just in one sector.”
In Precinct 3, the Lake Cities region of Hickory Creek, Corinth, Lake Dallas, and Shady Shores have seen an increase in population. Three of the four experienced a growth rate of 3 percent or more.
“Along Interstate 35E, we continue to see development – residential and commercial – between southern Denton County and points to the north,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell. “There are many pockets of growth throughout our county as we continue to attract people to live, work and play here.”
The communities of Argyle, Northlake, Justin and Ponder are seeing double-digit increases. The rapid development and population growth keep Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson busy. “We continuously have projects underway to address our fast-paced growth,” she said. “We know our southwest portion of Denton County will grow rapidly over the next decade and we work continuously and collaboratively with our communities to be prepared for it.”
Judge Eads said that growth and how the county handles it is part of its legacy.
“What we do today to prepare for tomorrow will be among the most important things we can accomplish as a county,” he said. “The groundwork we lay now will help our future population to flourish.”
NOTE: Information from the North Central Texas Council of Governments is available here: 2023 NCTCOG Population Estimates Publication | North Central Texas Council of Governments (arcgis.com)
