Census Population Counts Good For Texas
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: December 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Census Bureau has released their first population counts for 2010, and it's good news for the Lone Star State.
Census counters were working all over the country this year, getting an accurate population count. It turns out that the population for the country has gone up 9.7 percent. That's close to 309 million people.
The state contributing the most to the nation's population growth is Texas. The census says that over the past decade, the Lone Star State has gained more than 4 million new residents.
Meanwhile, that soaring population means that Texas is also gaining political power. Texas will now have four new seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is based on state population.
Now, the Texas Legislature will have to draw those districts into the state.
Since the majority of the population spike has occurred along the Interstate 35 corridor, there's concern that areas like West Texas will actually see districts expand, providing less representation, as districts tighten up in areas like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
Census counters were working all over the country this year, getting an accurate population count. It turns out that the population for the country has gone up 9.7 percent. That's close to 309 million people.
The state contributing the most to the nation's population growth is Texas. The census says that over the past decade, the Lone Star State has gained more than 4 million new residents.
Meanwhile, that soaring population means that Texas is also gaining political power. Texas will now have four new seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is based on state population.
Now, the Texas Legislature will have to draw those districts into the state.
Since the majority of the population spike has occurred along the Interstate 35 corridor, there's concern that areas like West Texas will actually see districts expand, providing less representation, as districts tighten up in areas like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
