Fact Check: Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population
What We Know
Texas is indeed the second largest state in the United States, both in terms of area and population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of July 1, 2024, Texas had a population exceeding 31 million residents, making it the second most populous state after California. Additionally, Texas covers an area of approximately 268,596 square miles (695,660 km²), which confirms its status as the second largest state by area, following Alaska. This information is corroborated by Wikipedia, which states that Texas is the second-largest state in both categories.
Analysis
The claim that Texas ranks second in both area and population is supported by multiple reliable sources. The U.S. Census Bureau is a credible source for demographic data, providing up-to-date estimates on population figures across the United States. The population estimate of over 31 million aligns with other demographic reports, including those from World Population Review, which also lists Texas as the second most populous state.
Moreover, the area measurement of Texas is consistently reported across various reputable sources. The Wikipedia entry for Texas provides detailed information about its geographical size and population, further validating the claim.
While the U.S. Census Bureau and Wikipedia are both reliable, it is essential to note that Wikipedia can be edited by the public, which may introduce the potential for inaccuracies. However, the information provided in this case is consistent with official census data, making it a trustworthy reference.
Conclusion
The claim that "Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population" is True. The evidence from the U.S. Census Bureau and corroborating sources confirms that Texas holds this ranking, both in terms of its vast geographical area and its significant population size.
