The 6.45 million people living in the Metroplex as of July 1, 2009, marked a 2.3 percent increase from 2008. The area's raw influx of 146,530 people was more than any other region in the nation.

Houston had the second-highest population growth last year, with 140,784 people pouring into the metro area, a 2.5 percent increase that pushed the region's total population to 5.86 million.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area now houses the nation's fourth-highest population, and Houston the sixth-highest, according to the US Census Bureau.

Mark Fuller is a leading real estate professional specializing in Luxury Homes In Houston Texas.