Judge Hill reports North Central Texas population update: Collin County estimated to have grown by about 75,000 in one year

Collin County Judge Hill provided the court with highlights from the North Central Texas Council of Governments' annual population update, reporting that Collin County’s population estimate rose by roughly 75,000 since last year and is now above 1.3 million.

Judge Hill said the new estimate places Collin County’s population “over 1.3” million as of January 1, 2025, and that the estimate represents an increase of about 75,000 people from the prior year's figure. He said that translates to roughly 207 new residents per day on average and noted that Collin County’s growth outpaced neighboring Dallas and Tarrant counties for the year. Judge Hill also highlighted a substantial rise in the county’s unincorporated population, which the report estimates at about 101,000; he said that change reflects new development patterns after state changes in annexation law and the creation of more developments in unincorporated areas.

Commissioners discussed the policy implications: several members said the increased unincorporated population places additional demands on the sheriff’s office for patrol and on county services generally and urged engagement with state legislators about statutory brackets and service obligations that are tied to county population levels. Deputy attorney Schauffner and staff explained that many statutory “brackets” used to set program thresholds are adjusted on the decennial census cycle, not by annual estimates, though annual figures inform planning.

Judge Hill said the region’s increase in population illustrates the urgency of infrastructure, public safety and budget planning, and he provided copies of the COG report for commissioners and the public.