Conroe, Montgomery Areas Grow in Population, Diversity

Conroe, Montgomery Lead Texas in Population Surge; Diversity Skyrockets in Region, New Census Data Shows

**CONROE, Texas (February 5, 2026)** – Conroe and Montgomery are experiencing an unprecedented surge in population and a notable shift in demographic makeup, according to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The figures, covering July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, position Conroe as the fastest-growing large city in Texas and Montgomery as the second-fastest growing small city, signaling a robust expansion that is reshaping the northern Montgomery County landscape.

Conroe, a hub of rapid development and increasing economic activity, saw an impressive 8.4% population surge during that year-long period. This added 10,742 new residents, pushing its estimated total population to 138,512. This remarkable growth made Conroe the top-ranked large city in Texas among those with populations exceeding 50,000 for population increase. Looking back a bit further to the April 1, 2020, Census count, Conroe’s population has expanded by 17.6%, or 20,774 people, highlighting a sustained trajectory of expansion.

“Conroe’s growth isn’t just about numbers; it reflects the vibrant community we’ve built, drawing families and businesses seeking opportunity and a high quality of life,” stated Conroe City Administrator Sara Parker. “We are committed to managing this growth responsibly, ensuring our infrastructure, schools, and public services keep pace with the influx.”

Meanwhile, the city of Montgomery, known for its historic charm and proximity to Lake Conroe, experienced an even higher percentage growth, climbing by 11.2% between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023. This added 1,223 people, bringing its estimated population to 12,127. For small cities in Texas—those under 50,000 residents—Montgomery ranked second statewide for percentage growth in that timeframe. Since the 2020 Census, Montgomery’s population has increased by 24.3%, or 2,367 residents.

“While maintaining our unique historic character and small-town feel, Montgomery has become a highly desirable destination for those seeking a close-knit community with excellent amenities,” commented Montgomery Mayor Greg Smith. “This growth presents both exciting opportunities and the necessity to plan strategically for our future, balancing preservation with progress.”

Beyond just population numbers, the region is also seeing a notable shift in its demographic makeup. The 2023 demographic estimates for Montgomery County indicate increasing diversity across all major groups. The Hispanic or Latino population now stands at 29.5%, a significant increase from 24% in 2013. While still the majority, the White non-Hispanic population has seen a decrease from 60% in 2013 to 55.4%. Other groups are also expanding, with the Black or African American population rising to 5.6% from 4%, the Asian population increasing to 3.5% from 2%, and those identifying as two or more races reaching 5.8%, up from 4% in 2013. These county-level shifts reflect the evolving demographic landscape impacting both Conroe and Montgomery.

“These demographic shifts reflect broader statewide and national trends, but also the unique appeal of Montgomery County,” noted Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a demographer at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. “A more diverse population enriches the cultural fabric, brings new perspectives, and often fuels economic dynamism. However, it also requires communities to be proactive in ensuring equitable access to resources, inclusive representation in local government, and robust social services that cater to a wide array of needs.”

The rapid growth in Conroe and Montgomery is part of a larger trend throughout the Houston metropolitan area and across Texas, driven by robust job growth, relative affordability compared to coastal markets, and migration from other states. Proximity to major employment centers like The Woodlands and Houston, coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements and new housing developments, continues to attract new residents to northern Montgomery County.

However, this explosive growth also brings challenges. Local officials face increased demand for critical infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems. School districts must accommodate rising enrollment, and city planners grapple with maintaining community character amidst rapid development. The diversifying population also calls for expanded cultural programming, multilingual services, and inclusive civic engagement initiatives to ensure all residents feel connected and represented.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s annual population estimates are vital tools for local governments, businesses, and community organizations to understand demographic shifts and plan for future needs. The complete data sets are available on the Census Bureau’s website at www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2023-cities-and-towns.html.