0421-b-census-states

How Did State Populations Change 2010-2020?

The U.S. Census Bureau released the first results from the 2020 Census: total population for the nation, states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Census Bureau just released the first results from the 2020 Census: total population for the nation, states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Highlights:

  • U.S. population grew by 7.4%—the second-slowest growth rate in U.S. history.
  • The South was the fastest-growing region (10.2%), while the Midwest was the slowest-growing (3.1%).
  • California remains the largest state, and Wyoming remains the smallest.
  • Fastest-growing states (from fastest): Utah, Idaho, Texas, North Dakota, Nevada.
  • Three states lost population since 2010: Illinois, Mississippi, West Virginia. Puerto Rico also lost population over the decade.
  • Six states gained seats in Congress: Texas (+2); Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon (each +1).
  • Seven states lost a seat: California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia. New York’s margin for losing a seat was just 89 people.

Additional details, including the first demographic characteristic details from the 2020 census, are scheduled for release beginning in August 2021.

Source: Analysis by PRB of data from U.S. Census Bureau.