Matagorda County’s population barely dipped last year, edging down by just 31 people between ’23 and ’24—a 0.09% drop. Census estimates show births still outpaced deaths, and international arrivals added residents. But more locals moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in. That small migration shift explains the decline. Even with job growth and busier days in Bay City—where the daytime crowd now tops 80,000—the number of full-time residents isn’t keeping up. It’s a reminder that a place can thrive during business hours while still shrinking on paper.