The Lake Houston area’s population grew by roughly 12.1% over five years, rising from 285,668 residents in 2019 to 320,106 in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The overview: On Jan. 29, the U.S. Census Bureau released new five-year data for 2024 as part of its American Community Survey, which represents a five-year estimate of the population across the country from 2020 to 2024. This data compares with the 2019 survey results, which studied the country from 2015 to 2019.

A closer look: Each of the six Lake Houston-area ZIP codes saw population growth from 2019 to 2024, except for 77345, which saw its population decrease from 27,993 residents to 27,917 residents, data shows. ZIP code 77044 saw the largest growth in population, rising from 48,783 residents in 2019 to 58,347 residents in 2024.

Also of note: Additionally, four of the six Lake Houston-area ZIP codes saw increases in the median age of residents from 2019 to 2024, data shows.

Paris Baguette has plans to expand with a new location in Kingwood, per a Jan. 30 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The details: Construction is set to begin in April and be completed by Oct. 15, according to the filing. Previously a GameStop, the 2,765-square-foot existing building will be renovated to accommodate the new food service establishment.

What they offer: With several locations in Texas, Paris Baguette offers baked goods and pastries including cakes, donuts and croissants. The bakery also offers a selection of hot beverages, such as rich Lavazza coffees, creamy lattes and soothing teas.

• 708 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood

Eight candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination in the March primary election for Harris County district clerk following the announcement that Marilyn Burgess would not seek reelection to the position.

The details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Early voting runs Feb. 17-27. Election day is March 3.

What else?: To ensure that candidates are the ones defining their positions in Community Impact's voter guide, if candidates did not complete the questionnaire after multiple attempts to contact them, the website reads "candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time." Candidates were informed of this policy.

Two candidates are facing off March 3 in the Republican primary election for Harris County clerk.

The overview: Lynda Sanchez and Mike Wolfe are competing for the Republican nomination in the race against Democratic incumbent Teneshia Hudspeth for Harris County clerk. Early voting begins Feb. 17, and election day is March 3.

Some context: The Harris County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining records from Commissioners Court and other county courts as well as key documents such as property records, marriage licenses, and birth and death certificates, per the office's website. The county clerk also serves as the chief election official for Harris County.

The setup: The candidates responded to four questions, including: 

• Why are you running for this position?
• What do you feel are the major challenges facing the office currently?
• How will you address these challenges?
• How will you work to make the office more user-friendly to residents? 

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings.

Live, work or hangout in Bryan or College Station? Or know someone who does? Stay connected or share with your neighbors.