The population of Lubbock has changed dramatically since its incorporation in 1909, from a tiny frontier settlement of a couple of hundred people to the estimated 272,086 in 2024. However, you don’t have to be 116 years old to have noticed significant increases in Lubbockites. For those of us who grew up here, the change is beyond noticeable; it’s significant.
The Big Increases
According to data from the city of Lubbock, we’ve had some big population booms between decades, particularly
1910-1920, when the population more than tripled from about 3600 people to nearly 12000 people
1940-1950, when the population doubled from around 50K to 100K people.
Decreases? Not Here
Lubbock’s population has never decreased between the decades. However, we have leeched population from our surrounding communities, which have at times seen negative population growth.
From A Personal Standpoint
As someone who was a child living in Lubbock in the 1990s, the increase can be a little daunting if I think about it too long. I lived near 82nd and University as a kid, and I remember crossing a cotton field to walk to the brand new United on 82nd and Boston. That space has long been occupied by Tinseltown, and I feel absolutely ancient relaying this story…