Corpus Christi’s population isn’t on the rise like many other Texas cities, according to recently released population estimates.
In May, the U.S. Census Bureau released 2025 population estimates. The data shows that population growth slowed across the country between 2024 and 2025, with small cities and outer portions of metro areas outpacing large cities.
According to the recently released data, Corpus Christi’s estimates remained relatively steady between 2024 and 2025, growing just slightly.
The data indicates that though the city has been growing just slightly since 2022, previously it experienced a drop in population.
Here’s what the data shows:
Corpus Christi had an estimated population of 318,090 on April 1, 2020. By July 1, 2025, the city’s population estimate was 317,247.
That’s down 0.3%.
How do other Texas cities compare?
In comparison, Edinburg grew by an estimated 10.4% over that same five-year period and San Antonio grew by an estimated 8%. Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville all grew by an estimated 3%-6%.
Just comparing 2024 to 2025, Edinburg’s estimated growth rate was 1.7%, San Antonio’s was 0.9%, Laredo’s was 0.3%, McAllen’s was 1.3% and Brownsville’s was 0.3%.
The U.S. Census Bureau did not report a percent change from 2024 to 2025 for Corpus Christi, as the growth was so small. The estimates were 317,147 in 2024 and 317,247 in 2025.
The top five fastest-growing cities in the U.S. in 2025 were all in Texas: Celina, Fulshear, Princeton, Melissa and Anna. These communities range in size from 29,969 to 64,630.
Between 2024 and 2025, Austin surpassed 1 million.
Elsewhere in the Coastal Bend, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that communities like Rockport, Aransas Pass, Sinton and Port Aransas have seen growth, while communities including Kingsville, Alice, Beeville, San Diego and Bishop have seen estimated drops.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Aransas and San Patricio counties have each grown slightly in population while Nueces County has fluctuated.
Changes in housing
At the same time, the county’s estimated housing stock has actually increased, jumping by more than 7,000 between 2020 and 2025 and by about 1,500 between 2024 and 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
This disparity between growth in housing units and population trends indicates that Nueces County residents are moving to new areas of the county and building homes.
Corpus Christi Independent School District has observed this shift over the years, frequently describing in budget discussions how older neighborhoods are emptying of young families while new areas are being developed, particularly in the Southside of Corpus Christi.
At the end of this school year, Corpus Christi ISD is closing seven schools.
In previous years, the district has opened new campuses in the Southside of Corpus Christi, including Lexington Middle School and Creekside Elementary School.
Olivia Garrett covers education and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: How has Corpus Christi population changed since 2020? See data here
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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