For more than a decade, Fort Worth has been one of the fastest-growing big cities in America, so headlines about fewer people moving there can be surprising.
The reality is more nuanced. Fort Worth and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth region are still adding residents, but at a slower pace than during the post-pandemic surge. Here is what the numbers show, why growth is cooling, and what it means if you are thinking about moving to or from the area.
What the Numbers Actually Say
Census Bureau estimates show that the Dallas-Fort Worth metro added about 178,000 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, then roughly 123,500 between July 2024 and July 2025, which is still second only to the Houston metro nationally. That is a meaningful step down year over year, but it is a slowdown rather than a reversal. The Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine division alone grew by nearly 50,000 people, or about 1.9%, in the 2023-24 period, and Tarrant County added close to 33,000 residents, ranking among the top ten counties in the country. In other words, fewer people are arriving than in the peak years, but Fort Worth is still growing.
Why Growth Is Cooling
Several forces are behind the slowdown. Nationally, population growth fell from about 1% to about 0.5% in the most recent estimates, driven largely by a sharp drop in international migration, which fell by more than half according to Census data reported by Axios. In the DFW metro, international migration was still the largest component of growth in 2024-25, with domestic migration contributing a smaller share, so changes in immigration have an outsized effect locally. Higher mortgage rates, more expensive housing than a few years ago, and a more competitive national job market have also made some would-be movers think twice.
The Housing Market Has Cooled, Too
The housing numbers tell a similar story of a market catching its breath. Redfin data for the first half of 2026 puts the Fort Worth median sale price at around $357,600, essentially flat compared with a year earlier, with about 2,457 homes sold, up roughly 1.6%. Active listings were down about 3.4%, months of supply sat near 4.2, and the median home took around 58 days to sell. That points to a stable, relatively balanced market rather than a collapsing one. Prices are not falling sharply, but the days of rapid appreciation are over, which is another reason fewer out-of-state buyers are rushing in.
Growth Is Shifting Toward the Suburbs
Much of the region's recent growth is happening outside the urban core. In the Dallas area, Collin County added about 43,000 residents in 2024-25, second most of any county in the country, and Kaufman County was the fastest-growing county over 100,000 people at 5.7%. Around Fort Worth, communities north and west of the city, such as Saginaw, Haslet, Aledo, and Northlake, continue to attract families looking for newer homes and more space. For many residents, the question is less about whether to live in the metro and more about which part of it fits their budget and commute.
What This Means If You Are Moving to Fort Worth
Slower growth can work in your favor. Less competition for homes, more room to negotiate, and a steadier rental market all make it easier to settle in. Fort Worth still offers a lower cost of living than many larger metros, a strong job market tied to aviation, logistics, healthcare, and energy, and a distinct culture centered on the Stockyards, the Cultural District, and a walkable downtown. If you are relocating for work, visit a few neighborhoods at different times of day, test the commute, and compare Fort Worth proper with nearby suburbs before committing.
What This Means If You Are Leaving
If you are one of the residents moving out, a balanced market is also a reasonable place to sell. Homes are not flying off the market in days, so pricing realistically, preparing the house well, and being flexible on closing dates matter more than they did a few years ago. Whether you are leaving for another Texas city or out of state, start planning your move well before your closing date.
Planning Your Move
Whatever direction you are moving, the logistics are the same. Get written quotes early, confirm your dates before booking a truck, and take stock of what is really worth moving. Late spring and summer are the busiest moving months, and North Texas heat regularly tops 100°F from June through September, so early-morning starts and extra care for electronics and heat-sensitive items help. Working with a reliable moving company in Fort Worth can keep your move on schedule and take a lot of the stress out of the process.
Fewer people moving to Fort Worth does not mean the city is losing its appeal. It means the growth rate is normalizing after an unusually fast stretch, and that can be good news for buyers, renters, and anyone planning a move.
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