McAllen News, McAllen TX News, population growth, Census Bureau, Rio Grande Valley
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX - Newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates show population growth in Hidalgo and Cameron counties slowed between 2024 and 2025, reflecting a broader nationwide trend of diminishing gains across U.S. counties and metropolitan areas.
Population changes by county
According to the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 population estimates, Hidalgo County grew from 913,600 residents in 2024 to 921,500 in 2025, an increase of 7,900 people or 0.9%. Cameron County’s population rose from 433,000 in 2024 to 433,900 in 2025, a gain of 994 residents, or 0.2%.
Starr County’s population decreased slightly from 66,400 in 2024 to 66,300 in 2025, a decline of 79 residents, or 0.1%. Willacy County’s population declined from 20,100 in 2024 to 20,000 in 2025, a decrease of 99 residents, or 0.5%.
Combined, the four-county Rio Grande Valley region recorded modest population growth between 2024 and 2025, increasing from approximately 1,433,100 residents to 1,441,700, a net gain of about 8,600 people, or roughly 0.6%. Hidalgo County accounted for the majority of the increase, offsetting slight population declines in Starr and Willacy counties, while Cameron County experienced limited growth. The combined figures reflect gradual regional expansion consistent with broader trends showing slower population gains nationwide.
National trends
The Census Bureau reported population growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s 3,143 counties between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. Among counties that experienced growth between 2023 and 2024, nearly 8 in 10 saw growth slow or reverse direction the following year.
The agency also reported that 310 of the nation’s 387 metropolitan statistical areas recorded slower growth during the same period.
According to the Census Bureau, lower levels of net international migration contributed to the slowdown nationwide. Every state and approximately 90% of U.S. counties experienced declines in net international migration between 2024 and 2025.
Regional context
Population increases in Hidalgo and Cameron counties remained modest compared to prior periods, while Starr and Willacy counties experienced slight decreases, reflecting patterns seen in many U.S. counties during the same timeframe.
The Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program calculates annual population changes using data on births, deaths and migration following the most recent decennial census.