Texas is booming not just in its major cities, but in its fastest-growing counties where population surges are driving unprecedented demand for housing, infrastructure, and commercial development. Counties like Kaufman, Rockwall, Comal, and Hays are experiencing double-digit growth, transforming rural landscapes into thriving suburban hubs.
For builders, this growth presents enormous opportunities but also new challenges. Estimating construction costs in these rapidly expanding areas requires local insight, flexible pricing strategies, and a deep understanding of regional trends. In this guide, we explore how professional estimating services help contractors navigate the complexities of building in Texas’s fastest-growing counties.
Top Fastest-Growing Counties in Texas (2025)
| County | 2025 Population | Growth Since 2020 | Key Development Trends |
| Kaufman County | 211,848 | +43.98% | Suburban housing, schools, and retail centers |
| Rockwall County | 147,237 | +34.88% | Luxury homes, lakefront properties, and highways |
| Comal County | 212,286 | +29.71% | Hill Country estates, water infrastructure |
| Liberty County | 119,892 | +29.64% | Affordable housing, logistics hubs |
| Parker County | 188,606 | +26.11% | Ranch conversions, schools, and civic buildings |
| Hays County | 303,252 | +24.3% | Mixed-use developments, universities, and roads |
| Montgomery County | 774,954 | +23.93% | Master-planned communities, hospitals, and parks |
| Collin County | 1,268,087 | +17.88% | Corporate campuses, apartments, and transit |
| Fort Bend County | 972,496 | +17.29% | Public schools, water systems, and subdivisions |
Sources: World Population Review
Estimating Challenges in High-Growth Counties
| Challenge | Why It Matters |
| Land Cost Volatility | Prices fluctuate rapidly due to demand and zoning changes. |
| Labor Availability | Skilled trades may be scarce, affecting productivity and pricing. |
| Infrastructure Dependencies | Projects often rely on new roads, utilities, and drainage systems. |
| Permit Timelines | Backlogs in fast-growing counties can delay construction starts. |
| Code Variations | Local amendments to IBC/IRC may differ from neighboring counties. |
| Escalation Risk | Material costs can spike mid-project due to regional demand surges. |
Estimators must factor in regional dynamics to avoid underbidding and protect margins.
How Estimating Services Help Builders in Growth Zones
| Estimating Service Feature | Benefit to Builders |
| Local Cost Benchmarking | Uses county-specific labor and material rates for accurate pricing. |
| Permit & Code Integration | Aligns estimates with local building departments and zoning rules. |
| Phased Construction Modeling | Supports multi-stage developments and infrastructure coordination. |
| Escalation Forecasting | Predicts material and labor cost increases over time. |
| Site-Specific Takeoffs | Accounts for topography, drainage, and utility access. |
| Bid Package Assembly | Prepares polished, CSI-formatted estimates for developers and agencies. |
Professional estimators help builders stay competitive while managing risk in fast-moving markets.
Common Scopes in Fast-Growing Counties
| Scope | Estimating Consideration |
| Residential Subdivisions | Must include roads, utilities, landscaping, and phased home construction. |
| Schools & Civic Buildings | Requires ADA compliance, fire safety, and public-sector documentation. |
| Retail & Mixed-Use | Includes shell construction, tenant improvements, and parking infrastructure. |
| Water & Drainage Systems | Must meet stormwater regulations and flood zone requirements. |
| Transportation Projects | Estimators must model traffic control, paving, and right-of-way costs. |
These scopes often overlap, requiring coordinated estimating across trades and phases.
Case Study: Subdivision in Kaufman County
A residential developer planned a 300-home subdivision in Kaufman County. Initial estimates missed:
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- Drainage detention pond costs
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- Road impact fees and utility tap charges
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- Escalation in framing lumber and concrete
After hiring a professional estimating firm:
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- Local permit fees and infrastructure costs were added
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- Phased construction was modeled with escalation forecasts
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- The developer avoided $750,000 in change orders and secured lender approval
Outcome: The project broke ground on time and stayed within budget despite market volatility.
Best Practices for Estimating in Growth Counties
| Practice | Why It Matters |
| Use County-Specific Data | Avoids generic pricing and reflects local market conditions. |
| Include Infrastructure Allowances | Covers roads, utilities, and off-site improvements. |
| Model Escalation Over Time | Protects against mid-project cost spikes. |
| Coordinate with Local Officials | Ensures compliance and avoids permit delays. |
| Document Assumptions Clearly | Improves transparency and client trust. |
| Price Alternates Strategically | Offers flexibility for developers and public agencies. |
Estimators must be proactive, flexible, and regionally informed to succeed in high-growth areas.
Tools That Support Regional Estimating
| Tool | Functionality |
| RSMeans + CostWorks | Regional pricing and escalation modeling. |
| PlanSwift + Bluebeam | Quick takeoffs and markup collaboration. |
| Autodesk Construction Cloud | BIM integration and team collaboration. |
| ProEst + CSI Templates | Public-sector formatting and bid package assembly. |
| Excel + Custom Bid Sheets | Flexible pricing and alternate modeling. |
These tools help estimators deliver bids that are accurate, compliant, and easy to review.
ROI of Estimating Services in Growth Counties
| Benefit | Financial Impact |
| Fewer Change Orders | Saves $50,000–$250,000 per project on average |
| Improved Bid Accuracy | Increases win rate and reduces margin erosion |
| Faster Approvals | CSI formatting and clear assumptions speed up agency review |
| Better Client Relationships | Transparency builds trust and repeat business |
| Reduced Legal Risk | Accurate scope and compliance reduce liability and disputes |
Estimating services aren’t just a cost, they’re a strategic investment in growth markets.
Final Thoughts
Texas’s fastest-growing counties are reshaping the construction landscape. Builders who understand local dynamics and price accordingly will be best positioned to win work and deliver successful projects. Estimating services provide the insight, accuracy, and flexibility needed to thrive in these high-growth zones.
At MSB Estimating, we specialize in regional estimating for Texas contractors. Whether you’re building in Kaufman, Hays, or Montgomery County, we help you bid smarter, build faster, and stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to Estimate for Texas’s Growth Zones?
Contact MSB Estimating today to learn how we support builders in Texas’s fastest-growing counties.
