Celebrating 189 years of Texas Spirit

In a not too distant past, Texans came together to create a country that not only embodied their bold, independent spirit, but would be a place that anyone could call home.

In the last 189 years, Texas has become just that – a go-to destination to live, start a business and raise a family. In honor of our state’s birthday on March 2, we’re dedicating this week to all things Texas.

How does this 189-year-old look today?

Photos sourced from State Preservation Board and Texas State Historical Association

In 1836, nearly 53,000 Texans made up the population of the Republic of Texas. Here’s what we?look?like today: ?

• As of 2025, there are more than 30 million people who live in Texas, and roughly 3-5 million more people are expected to call our state home by?2036. (source: Texas 2036)
• Of the 30.5 million people who lived in Texas in?2023, 11.3 million were?men 18 and older, 11.7 million were?women 18 and older?and 7.5 million were?children under 18. (source: Texas Demographic Center)
• Texas has the second-largest population of children under 18. (source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau)
• In 2023, Texas had nearly 4.3 million residents aged 65 and over. With a 3.9% growth rate, this age group is considered the fastest growing in Texas. (source:?Texas Demographic Center and Texas 2036)

When did Texas' population jump to the top?

Texas may be one of the most populous states today, but it didn't happen overnight. Check out how the state jumped to the top three over the last century.

Dive into the data:?U.S. Census Data: How Texas earned a booming population

Texas Population: By the numbers

• Every 90 seconds, a child is born somewhere in Texas.? (source: Texas 2036)
• One out of every 11 Americans lives in Texas today.? (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
• Nearly one out of 10 Americans will live in Texas by 2036. (source: Texas Demographic Center, Congressional Budget Office)
• Texas is currently home to one out of every 10 public high school students in the country. (source: nces.ed.gov)
• Nearly 400,000 Texas students are expected to graduate high school in 2036, the year Texas turns 200. (source: Texas A&M University System)

How we're ensuring a brighter future for?Texans

With a?booming population on the rise, it’s important that we ensure our state is a better place to live for all Texans. That’s why Texas 2036 exists.We use data and research to help legislators solve Texas’ most critical issues by the time our state turns 200 in 2036.

?? Dive into our Legislative Agenda to follow the top issues we are focused on for 2025 and beyond.

?? Watch:?We explain our ties to?Texas' birthday on KXAN's Studio 512.

ICYMI: Texas' future relies on water. That’s why Texas 2036 has consistently championed water investment since 2021.?

???This Texas Water Day, learn more:?www.texas2036.org/water-future.

What makes Texas No. 1 today?

Over the years, Texas has become the nation’s leader in many industries. Here are some fun facts on why Texas is No. 1?today:

• One out of every 10 Fortune 500 companies are in Texas. (source: Visual Capitalist)
• More than 3 million small businesses are in Texas as of 2024. (source: U.S. Small Business Administration)
• Almost $1 out of every $10 produced in the U.S. comes from Texas. (source: Bureau of Economic Analysis)
• Texas has been the country’s top exporting state for 23 years running and currently accounts for 22% of the nation’s exports. (source: Office of the Texas Governor)
• In 2024, Texas produced the most cattle of any other state, with over 12 million. (source: U.S. Department of Agriculture)
• Texas leads the nation in the number of farms and ranches, with 230,662 covering 125.5 million acres. (source: Texas Department of Agriculture)
• Texas has the largest population of horses in the U.S. with nearly 750,000. (source: American Horse Council)
• Texas has nearly 26 million registered vehicles as of 2024. (source: Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles)
• Texas has nearly 325,000 miles of public roads. That's nearly enough road to go around Earth 13 times, which has a?circumference of?24,901 miles!??(source: US DOT, Federal Highway Admin)

Did you know? 54% of Texas voters believe the Lone Star State will have the strongest economy over the next four years compared to other U.S. states, according to the 8th Texas Voter Poll.

Top 5 Songs that are Texas True: Our Staff Picks

Texas pride goes beyond the written word, so it’s no surprise that generations of Texans have sung their hearts out to the state we call home.?

The Texas 2036 team picked their top five songs that celebrate what it means to be Texan.

1. Blue Skies - Willie Nelson

“The song reminds me of a perfect Texas day,” said Chris Mendezona, manager of finance and operations.

2. El?Chico del Apartamento 512 - Selena

“Selena, the ‘Queen of Tejano Music’ makes me proud to be from Texas,” said Carlo Castillo, data analyst.

3. Cowboy Take Me Away- The Chicks

“The Chicks describe a Texan idea of Heaven with their images of falling asleep on a pillow of bluebonnets and wanting to touch the earth and growing something wild and unruly,” said John Reynolds, communications director.?

4. Amarillo By Morning - George Strait

“This song reminds me of family road trips in Texas,” said Tara Tough, policy coordinator.

5. Texas Sun - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges

“I loved how their signature dreamy, folksy sound meshes with Leon Bridges’ more soulful vocals,” said Anandi Barker, grants coordinator. “The song has a warmth to it like the Texas sun!”

Want to see more Texas songs? We’ve gathered 50+ of our favorite Lone Star-themed tunes in one playlist on Spotify. Have a listen.

Did you know? More than half of Texas voters say they would rather live in Texas for the rest of their lives than any other state, according to 8th Texas Voter Poll?results.

Share your love for Texas!

This week, share your well wishes to Texas on social using #texasbirthday.

??Check out our birthday message to the Lone Star State as we celebrate what it means to be Texan.