The Woodlands is a master-planned community and census-designated place located in Montgomery and Harris counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2019, the CDP population was 116,278 according to the Wikipedia page. It is 28 miles north of downtown Houston along Interstate 45.
Population
According to the The Woodlands Township, the population of The Woodlands was 150,000 as of 2022. This is a significant increase from the 2010 census, which recorded a population of 93,847.
Some key facts about the population of The Woodlands:
- Between 2000 and 2010, the population grew over 80%
- Projections show the population could reach 250,000 by 2030
- The median age is 39.3 years old
- Over 91% of residents have a high school diploma and over 63% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
The Woodlands is known for having a highly educated population employed in professional and technical occupations. Many residents work in Houston and commute, attracted by the high quality of life, parks, and amenities in The Woodlands.
Economy and Major Employers
The Woodlands has a strong and diversified economy. According to data from The Woodlands Township, the top employers in The Woodlands are:
- ExxonMobil (10,907 employees)
- ConocoPhillips (2,654 employees)
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (1,460 employees)
- St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital (1,400 employees)
- Baker Hughes Inc. (1,151 employees)
These major energy companies have large campuses in The Woodlands. Other large employers include hospitals, school districts, grocers like Kroger and H-E-B, and companies like McKesson and Maersk.
In addition to energy, key industries include technology, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and tourism. Many corporations are attracted by the high quality of life, strong education system, and amenities like The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion performing arts center.
Attractions and Things to Do
The Woodlands has many attractions and activities for residents and visitors:
- Market Street – This pedestrian-friendly district features dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Parks and trails – Over 60 parks with hike and bike trails, swimming pools, sports fields, and more across 28,000 acres.
- The Woodlands Waterway – Nine-mile scenic waterfront promenade with boat tours and pathways.
- Annual events – Including The Waterway Arts Festival, the Texas TreeVentures Half Marathon, and Christmas in The Woodlands.
Outdoor recreation like golfing, boating, and biking are very popular due to the idyllic natural setting and water features. There are also many family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum and the Houston Astros spring training facility.
The Future of The Woodlands
The Woodlands shows no signs of slowing down its growth, with more residential and commercial development planned. The population is expected to continue increasing over the next decade. With its high quality of life, diverse economy, and business-friendly environment, The Woodlands is one of the premier master-planned communities in Texas.