Housing Units Figure 2.3 shows an incremental increase in housing units through the decades that appears to be consistent with population growth. However, it is important to examine the specific demographics of the added population, as that can lead to a change in the actual number of housing units required. For example, an influx of young, single professionals will have different housing needs and preferences than that of a family of four with young children. Therefore,
Population From its early days as a rural farming community to its current status as a thriving suburban city, Pearland has undergone significant changes in terms of its demographics and population size. This section explores the key events and factors that have shaped the population of Pearland over time, highlighting the key trends and patterns that have emerged. HISTORIC POPULATION Texas continues to lead the United States in terms of net migration, additional residents, and corporate relocations. According to the US Census July 1, 2021 population estimates, there are more than 29 million residents in Texas. In the past decade, Texas led the United States in numeric growth among states, with an addition of 3,999,944 residents between the 2010 and 2020 census. According to the Texas Demographic Center, state total population will likely exceed the 40 million population threshold by the year 2040. Table 2.4 shows the growth curve of Brazoria, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties, as well as Texas as a whole.
FIGURE 2.3: HOUSING UNITS Source: US Census Bureau
45,403
33,169
13,895
2000
2010
2020
it cannot be assumed that the number of housing units has a linear relationship to population change. In the ongoing sections, the demographics will be examined to more accurately provide the City’s planning needs for the next 30 years.
FIGURE 2.4: TEXAS POPULATION GRAPH
HISTORIC STATE POPULATION
HISTORIC FORT BEND COUNTY POPULATION HISTORIC BRAZORIA COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTED FORT BEND COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTED BRAZORIA COUNTY POPULATION
HISTORIC HARRIS COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTED STATE POPULATION PROJECTED HARRIS COUNTY POPULATION
50M
10M
45M
9M
40M
8M
35M
7M
30M
6M
25M
5M
20M
4M
15M
3M
10M
2M
5M 0
1M
0
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
One of the most significant factors that has contributed to Pearland’s population growth is its historical development as a rural farming community. In the early days of the City's history, the majority of residents were farmers who made their livelihoods by growing crops and raising livestock on the land. This rural, agricultural way of life slowly attracted people to the area, and the population of Pearland grew over time. As the city developed and modernized, however, the population began to shift away from its agricultural roots and toward a more suburban way of life. This transition was fueled in part by the growth of the Greater Houston area, which brought new job opportunities and an influx of people to the region. As a result, the population of Pearland continued to increase, and by the mid-20th century, the city had become a thriving suburban community.
PEARLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040
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