As people across the country continue relocating in 2025, some communities are seeing a surge in newcomers. In its November report, MovingPlace highlighted the ZIP codes drawing the most new residents, both in sheer numbers and relative to their population size. One North Texas community stood out.

A Small Town On The Move

Lavon, Texas, a city of fewer than 12,000 residents in Collin County, was ranked among the hottest ZIP codes in the nation. In October alone, the 75166 ZIP code saw 10.8 moves per capita, placing it just behind Dale, Texas, outside Austin. 

While the area’s per-capita migration dipped slightly from the previous month, Lavon remains a sought-after location for those seeking affordable housing and space near the Dallas metro area. Homes in Lavon sell for a median price of $355,000, a fraction of what buyers might pay closer to downtown Dallas.

“Not only have we seen over 50% growth in population since January 2024, we are also expecting approximately 30,000 more people to move to Lavon in the next five-plus years, if all approved dwelling units are constructed,” Lavon City Manager Kim Dobbs told Local Profile. 

To stay ahead of the rapid growth, the city is currently updating its comprehensive plan. Lavon prides itself on being proactive, and that includes planning thoughtfully for the future. On Nov. 8, 2025, the city hosted a community forum where residents and stakeholders could learn about ongoing growth and share feedback. Updated population projections will be included as part of the comprehensive plan refresh.

According to Dobbs, the plan update will review Lavon’s road network, land use, parks, infrastructure and city services, incorporating existing initiatives like a corridor branding strategy and the new community park design to guide future growth.

Scenic Location And Growing Appeal

Nestled northeast of Dallas, Lavon sits between Lavon Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard, giving residents easy access to outdoor recreation. The area’s appeal is tied not only to its affordability but also to the lifestyle it offers — a quieter, small-town feel with lakeside leisure just minutes from the city.

“Lavon has a prime location, small town feel, and proximity to two major lakes, which makes it especially appealing to potential residents and businesses,” Dobbs said. 

From Prairie Settlement To Modern Community

Lavon’s roots stretch back to the mid-1850s when settlers were drawn to the fertile Blackland Prairie and the waters of Bear Creek. By 1888, the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railway passed through the area, fostering commercial activity. That same year, the town’s post office was established under the stewardship of E.C. Thompson, and the town was later named for his son, Lavon Thompson.

The arrival of the railway helped Lavon grow from roughly 25 residents in the late 1880s to 300 by 1910, with the town serving as a hub for local farmers. Historical markers, such as the 1913 recognition of John Abston — a veteran of the Battle of King’s Mountain — underscore the area’s rich history.

Modern Growth And Community Revival

For much of the 20th century, Lavon remained small. Population numbers hovered around 200, with only a handful of businesses operating in town. The construction of Lavon Lake in the early 1950s introduced a new wave of visitors, from boaters to picnickers, shifting the town’s economy from agriculture toward recreation.

Incorporated in 1980, Lavon had just one business serving 306 residents. But the late 1990s and early 2000s brought a wave of housing developments that nearly doubled the population and introduced the city’s first new businesses in decades, including a gas station, barbecue restaurant, auto repair shop and a local bank branch.

Today, Lavon’s combination of affordable housing, scenic lakes, and small-town charm continues to attract newcomers, making it one of North Texas’s fastest-growing communities.

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