The population in the Tomball and Magnolia 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: The overall population increased 19.6% across the Tomball and Magnolia area, rising from 167,002 to 199,755 between 2019 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census. The ZIP code 77375 saw the largest percentage increase at 29.7%, with the population rising from 55,759 to 72,311. Meanwhile, the median age increased in three of the five Tomball- and Magnolia-area ZIP codes.

Homes are now being sold in Wildtree, a residential community from Shea Homes located along FM 1486, according to a Feb. 3 news release.

What you need to know: The community is planned for around 1,000 homes, and its amenities will include a resort-style pool, recreation center, playground and event lawn. Wildtree is zoned to Magnolia ISD.

Quote of note: “Prospective home buyers will find plenty of selection in Wildtree,” Keith Luechtefeld, Houston division president for Shea Homes, said via news release. “Beyond beautiful homes, residents will enjoy meandering trails, wooded areas, and generous planned amenities designed to complement their natural surroundings. Wildtree also offers excellent access to the Aggie Expressway.”

Tomball City Council hit pause Feb. 2 on a resolution that would support an application for competitive 9% housing tax credits tied to a proposed 55-plus senior community near Hwy. 249, deferring the item to its next meeting Feb. 16.

What we know: The resolution would back an application from RBM Living and Meridiem Development Group—through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs—for a mixed-income senior multifamily project anticipated to be called “The Enclave at Tomball Square,” planned near the northwest corner of Medical Complex Drive and the Hwy. 249 southbound access road.

Developer representative Matthew Malmquist told council the proposal targets residents age 55 and older and is driven by what he described as an unmet need for senior housing in the area. 

Mayor Lori Klein Quinn and council member Dane Dunagin shared uneasiness with placing a tax-credit development on what Quinn described as a key gateway into town.

“That is our main entrance into the city of Tomball. That is our main corridor there,” Quinn said.
 

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Feb. 2-6.

In case you missed it: Main Street Market held its last market in downtown Conroe Feb. 7 after nearly five years. The organizers announced the closure via Facebook on Jan. 29.

"This has always been more than a market," market developer Farralyn Withrow said in the social media post. "It’s been a tight-knit community and the starting place for 100+ new businesses. It’s been a major part of the ecosystem that is downtown Conroe." 

Also of note: Magnolia City Council moved Jan. 28 to terminate City Administrator Chris Whittaker, approving a resolution declaring a “lack of confidence” and removing him from office effective immediately.

The motion to terminate Whittaker's employment passed 4-0, with council member Geoff Beyers absent.

One more thing: Statewide enrollment for a new Katy ISD online program called Legacy Virtual High School opened Feb. 2, according to a Jan. 30 news conference from district officials. 

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Houston Airport System officials have nearly completed George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options.

The overview: HAS Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said the Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH.

Szczesniak noted most of the major phases associated with the project—including the Terminal D-West Pier, Terminal D updates and the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints—are either finished or nearly completed.

Looking ahead: While the baggage system isn’t expected to be certified and tested by the Transportation Security Administration until early February, Szczesniak said the overall project will provide an economic boon to the Houston area and should help airport officials prepare for the influx of passengers expected as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.