Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Collin County continues to experience dynamic growth as it ranked second in the nation for adding new residents. 

According to the 2020 census results, the Collin County population was 1,064,465, compared to 782,341 residents recorded in the 2010 census. 

July 1, 2021 estimates now put the county’s population at 1,109,462.  

The county was second in numeric growth measured from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, with 36,313 new residents. Additionally, Collin County ranked third in the nation for domestic migration, which describes movement where the point of origin and destination are within the same country, with 30,191 new residents.

While Collin County grows, neighboring Dallas County experienced a population decrease of almost 1 million to 2.5 million residents from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021. 

The census results showed 57,526 residents in Wylie, compared to 41,427 recorded in the 2010 census. 

Assistant City Manager Renae Ollie said challenges come with growth such as maintaining natural spaces and infrastructure including traffic, roadway conditions, the water system, aging pipelines, housing stock for various income levels and the school system. 

More vehicles on the roadway system, Ollie said, require more streets, paved lanes, maintenance costs and upkeep.

In addition, Ollie said that more housing and businesses impact the water system, adding that it is not always a negative impact.

“Growth also brings funding from various entities to do more and enhance the quality of life for all of our residents,” Ollie said. 

Another impact of growth, said Ollie, is that once a city exceeds 50,000 in population, TxDOT requires that cities maintain all traffic signals on TxDOT roadways within their city limits. This additional effort requires more funding for staff and maintenance upkeep. 

“The 2021 bond package approved by voters will aid in improving our infrastructure,” Ollie said. “Staff continues to look at innovative ways to assess and implement new ideas that will better the community as a whole.”

Ollie said there are plenty of benefits that come with growth such as more employment opportunities, increased tax base, additional sales tax funding and a diverse community with various housing types, businesses and ideas. 

According to the census, the city’s racial breakdown is 68.3% white, 12.3% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 8.4% Asian, 18.4% Hispanic or Latino and 6% of the population identified as two more races. 

The median household income in Wylie is $98,484 and the per capita income for the past 12 months is $34,124. The person in poverty percentage in Wylie is 6.8%. 

Census data also shows 2,256 veterans living in Wylie and 18.2% of the population are foreign born. 

Nearly 37% of individuals over 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher and 91.7% have a high school diploma or higher.