North Central Texas has experienced significant growth, with the region’s population increasing by 203,786 residents in 2025. As of January 1, 2026, the total population stands at 8,952,590, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

Population Growth

The NCTCOG’s population estimates cover the region’s 16 counties and reflect rapid growth across Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding communities. Collin County, Fort Worth, Dallas, and Celina have seen especially strong gains.

According to Sarah Jackson, a Program Coordinator for NCTCOG Demographics & Geospatial Analytics, ‘This level of sustained growth continues to shape nearly every aspect of life in North Central Texas, from housing and transportation to infrastructure and public services.’ Reliable local data helps communities plan for the future and better understand how quickly the region is evolving.

The NCTCOG’s estimates are based on a housing unit methodology that calculates population by housing type, including single-family homes, multifamily housing, mobile homes, and group quarters. This approach accounts for differences in household size and occupancy rates while also providing updated housing inventory data to support regional planning efforts.

Methodology and Data

The annual estimates rely heavily on information provided by local governments, including changes in housing stock and group quarters populations, helping ensure the data reflects current growth and development trends across the region.

NCTCOG Executive Director Todd Little stated, ‘By providing consistent, data-driven estimates each year, NCTCOG helps local governments make informed decisions that support a sustainable future for the entire North Central Texas region.’ The full report, along with city- and county-level estimates and interactive web applications, is now available through the NCTCOG Open Data Portal.

Original reporting: Focus Daily News — read the source article.