North Texas is growing at an extraordinary pace. According to the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the region’s population reached nearly 8.95 million residents at the start of 2026, adding more than 203,000 people in a single year. 

Growth on this scale creates enormous opportunity. It also increases demand for housing, transportation, education, healthcare and workforce development. Meeting those needs starts with understanding who lives here and where support is needed most. That’s why an accurate census matters. 

Why do census undercounts happen? 

While North Texas continues to expand, growth and undercounting can occur at the same time. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Texas experienced a 1.92% net undercount during the 2020 Census, meaning hundreds of thousands of residents may not have been fully reflected in the final count. Although annual population estimates help track growth between censuses, they can’t replace the once-a-decade census that shapes representation, planning and funding decisions nationwide. 

There are many reasons some households go uncounted. Missing addresses, frequent moves, housing instability, limited internet access, language barriers and concerns about privacy can all affect participation. Challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and census operations in 2020 added further complexity.  

Why are census undercounts bad for communities? 

When people are missed, communities can be overlooked. And the impact reaches far beyond population statistics. The Texas Census Institute estimates that Texas’ 2020 undercount could affect billions of dollars in federal funding over the coming decade. While projections vary and depend on a range of assumptions, the broader message is clear: Accurate data helps communities compete for the resources they need to thrive. 

For North Texas, that means better-informed investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workforce development and other services that strengthen communities and support economic growth. But counting people is only part of the equation. 

How can data tools complement census data? 

To create lasting change, organizations also need tools that help them understand the unique strengths and challenges within individual neighborhoods. That’s where United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI) comes in. 

Through DCBI and in partnership with the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI), community-based organizations gain access to data tools, training and technical assistance that help translate information into action. One of those tools, the Community Vulnerability Compass, provides neighborhood-level insights that reveal patterns often hidden within larger ZIP code averages. 

By examining factors such as housing, transportation, food access, income and educational attainment, organizations can better understand the social drivers that influence health and economic opportunity. These insights help nonprofits, local leaders and community partners target resources more effectively and make decisions grounded in data. 

The DCBI does not replace official census data. Instead, it complements it by combining trusted data sources with on-the-ground community knowledge to provide a more complete picture of local needs and opportunities. 

As preparations for the 2030 Census begin, improving participation will require collaboration across sectors. Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropic organizations and community leaders all have a role to play in building awareness, reducing barriers and encouraging participation. 

The takeaway is simple: A complete census helps create a stronger North Texas. 

Accurate data helps ensure communities are fairly represented and that investments in housing, education, healthcare, transportation and economic development reflect real needs. It also influences how businesses evaluate markets, plan future growth and invest in local communities. 

When everyone is counted, North Texas is better positioned to make informed decisions, direct resources where they are needed most and create opportunities for all. 

By investing in both a complete count and the capacity to understand community needs, we can help ensure our region’s remarkable growth translates into a brighter future for every resident. 

Learn more about the potential impact of census undercounts in your county.