Denton County officials revise multifamily housing data revealing significant growth demands

In a recent meeting of the Denton Planning and Zoning Commission, significant updates regarding housing data and projections were discussed, highlighting the city's rapid growth and the implications for future development. The meeting, held on February 12, 2025, focused on correcting previously reported multifamily housing data and assessing the city's housing needs in light of population increases.

A key point of discussion was the correction of multifamily unit counts, which had previously been reported as 4,550 for 2020. This figure was revised to 17,459 after identifying errors in data integration from the Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The new data source, CoStar, a commercial real estate database, provided more reliable figures, leading to a more accurate understanding of the housing landscape.

The commission noted that Denton's population growth has exceeded earlier projections. The comprehensive plan anticipated a growth rate of 3.19%, estimating a population of around 229,000 by 2040. However, recent data from the American Community Survey indicates a growth rate of 4.4%, suggesting a potential population of over 331,000 by 2030. This discrepancy underscores the need for updated housing strategies to accommodate the increasing demand.

The meeting also addressed the composition of housing in Denton. From 2020 to 2023, single-family homes decreased from 62% to 58% of the housing stock, while multifamily units increased from 35% to 37%. The commission emphasized the importance of monitoring these trends to ensure a balanced housing supply that meets the needs of both renters and homeowners.

In terms of future development, the commission discussed the necessity of diversifying housing options, particularly in proximity to universities, to better serve the growing student population. The current rental market, with 52% of housing being renter-occupied, aligns with other Texas college towns, indicating that Denton's multifamily development is not disproportionately high.

Looking ahead, the commission plans to continue evaluating housing projects and their alignment with the comprehensive plan. They acknowledged the need for potential updates to the plan and the housing needs assessment to reflect the city's evolving demographics and housing demands. The discussions highlighted the importance of thoughtful planning to ensure that Denton can accommodate its growth while providing diverse housing opportunities for all residents.