The population in the Conroe and Montgomery area is growing and becoming more diverse, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What you need to know: 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.

Diving in deeper: In all eight Conroe and Montgomery area ZIP codes, the median household income increased between 2019 and 2024, according to U.S. Census data. ZIP code 77318 saw the largest percentage increase of 50.5% as the median household income rose from $61,392 to $92,415. Meanwhile, 77316 had the highest median household income in 2024 at $124,055.

What else: When it comes to educational attainment, the percentage of Conroe and Montgomery residents 25 years or older who are high school graduates or higher rose from 83.2% to 88% between 2019 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census data.

Expanding from its original 1980 location, Backstage Dance Studio opened a second studio in Conroe.

Two-minute impact: Backstage Dance Studio, since its founding, has been dedicated to helping young dancers “achieve their fullest potential through the art of dance,” according to its website. It offers classes for all ages, starting from 2 years old. The new Conroe facility is set to have nearly double the studio's previous square footage, along with four new dance rooms representing a 60% increase in space, according to a news release.

• 2525 Creekmire Court, Conroe

Montgomery County Precinct 2 residents will have an opportunity to dispose of their heavy trash March 7-8 during Commissioner Charlie Riley’s Heavy Trash Clean Up Day, according to a Feb. 4 Facebook post.

What residents need to know: From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 7 and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 8, residents can bring their heavy trash to 31245 Friendship Drive, Magnolia. According to the Facebook post, some of the items that will not be accepted include:

• Tires
• Batteries
• Ammunition or explosives
• Electronics
• Medical waste
• Radioactive materials

The Woodlands Arts Council has launched its new Senior Art Program, offering creative workshops, visual arts opportunities and other arts experiences for seniors in Montgomery County, according to a Jan. 29 news release

TWAC is partnering with Interfaith of The Woodlands to help deliver workshops and art kits to seniors with limited access to visual arts opportunities, according to the release.

How it works: Dandridge Reed, a local artist and educator acting as instructor for the program, has guided participants through hands-on visual arts activities and creative learning experiences, according to the release. Since the initial program launch in September, TWAC reports a strong community response.

The Senior Art Program will continue throughout the year, adding more workshops and engagement opportunities, with the next activity planned in February.

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

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

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

• Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
• International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
• Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.