Houston’s population increased by an estimated 1,306 residents from 2020 to 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. During the same span, Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties each grew by at least 49,000 residents. Several factors have contributed to the disparity in growth between urban and suburban, including the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Lloyd Potter, a professor of sociology and demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio who also is the gubernatorially appointed state demographer. More affordable land and housing are driving factors for migration to those suburban locales, along with a desire to be in areas with less traffic congestion and crime, according to Potter. While rapid population growth can be a bragging point among local leaders, Potter said slow, sustainable growth is favorable. When the influx of residents outpaces the development of infrastructure and government services, he said quality of life deteriorates. Read about Houston's populat...