Galveston County’s population continues to grow, though it has slowed down compared to recent years, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau on April 18. The county’s population as of July 1, 2018, was estimated at 337,890, which is 3,586 more than July 1, 2017, for a total growth of 1.1%. However, the county saw its largest growth between 2015-16, when its population increased 7,819, or 2.4%, from 321,003 to 328,822. Across the country, Texas counties and metropolitan areas rank as some of the most populous and fastest growing, according to the census estimates. Harris County ranks as the nation’s third-most populous county. It is estimated to have had a population of 4,698,619 in July 2018, compared to 4,664,159 in July 2017 for a growth of 34,460. Harris County also ranks No. 1 in numeric growth from 2010-18, from an estimated base of 4,093,188 in April 1, 2010. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area ranks as the fifth-most populous metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 6,997,384 in July 1, 2018. The estimated population for July 1, 2017, was 6,905,695, and 5,920,487 on April 1, 2010.