Mixed Census Results Show Need for Growth in Southeast Texas
The unfortunate news is that the whole region, in just one year, the population has gone from 396,958 in 2020 to 395,419 in 2021, probably due to the pandemic. It’s a small drop, sure, but it happened in a state that gained 15.9% in population over the previous decade, adding nearly 4 million people to a total of 29,145,505. .
The city of Beaumont also saw a small drop in the census, from 118,296 people in 2010 to 115,282 in 2020. Still, the other two largest cities in the region saw a small increase. Port Arthur has grown from 53,818 in 2010 to 56,039 in 2020, and Orange has grown from 18,595 in 2010 to 19,324 in 2020.
The region’s three largest counties also saw small increases in population during the census.
Jefferson County went from 252,273 people in 2010 to 256,526. Orange County went from 81,837 people in 2010 to 84,808 in 2020. And Hardin County went from 54,635 people in 2010 to 56 231 in 2020.
Again, after everything Southeast Texas has been through in this decade, these numbers could have been worse. Still, the area has essentially continued a pattern of little or no overall growth in recent censuses, which is concerning in a state where most other cities and counties are experiencing strong growth. These places win seats in the Texas House of Representatives, while we don’t.
There is no magic formula for this challenge, and it varies from city to city and county to county. Yet the basics that attract people and businesses have not changed: job and education opportunities, affordable tax rates and a desirable quality of life.
Every city council, county commission and school board should keep these facts in mind as they plan for their future. They want to encourage a good mix of young residents and families so they can take on leadership roles when the older generation retires.
Natural disasters like hurricanes or floods do not help this process, but there is nothing we can do about it. These storms will or will not come in the next decade, and we just need to be as prepared as possible for them. Frankly, the region has trained so much lately that our collective response is improving.
Despite this concern, Southeast Texas has many assets necessary for population growth – a temperate climate, plenty of water, great industries, an interstate highway, and an excellent source of higher education at the University. Lamar and at Lamar’s three other independent campuses.
That’s a lot, and we have much to be proud of. There is potential for real growth between now and the 2030 census, and everyone in a leadership position should do everything possible to make that happen.