New Census data shows population is growing faster in Houston's suburbs than the city. But why?

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the City of Houston's population growth has remained flat, while suburbs in surrounding counties continue to boom.

The numbers were released last week in the 2023 American Community Survey . The top three counties in southeast Texas with the most growth between 2022 and 2023 were: Liberty County (6.15%) : 101,992 to 108,272 Montgomery County (4.

84%) : 678,490 to 711,354 Fort Bend County (3.1%): 889,146 to 916,778 READ MORE: Texas counties lead the U.S.

in population growth, Census says Harris County's population only increased by 1.13%, equating to more than 54,000 people. Meanwhile, the City of Houston saw a 0.

31% increase, or slightly more than 7,000 people. According to Sam Gonzalez Kelly, the demographics reporter for the Houston Chronicle , this kind of phenomenon isn't unique to southeast Texas. He explained that other parts of the country are seeing housing costs increase in urban areas, driving families to the suburbs for a more inexpensive lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the number of housing units has increased in Houston over the last couple of years. "It may be more single people or couples that don't have children staying in the city. You're seeing households with multiple family members moving out to the suburbs," Kelly said.

"Suburban school districts often have a lot of appeal for families. The rise of remote work gives people a lot more flexibility in their housing too." Daniel Potter, from Rice U.