Introduction
Population growth in the United States varies widely from state to state, with some states experiencing tremendous growth and others remaining relatively stagnant. Over the past decade, the US population has grown at an average rate of 0.7% per year – but this figure hides a great deal of variation between states. For example, Nevada has seen a population increase of over 15% in the same time period, while Ohio and Wyoming have each only seen their populations grow by around 2.%. The difference is largely driven by economic factors such as job opportunities and cost of living; Nevada’s strong economy and booming tourism industry have made it an attractive destination for people looking to relocate. In addition, birth rates also play a role in population growth: Texas’ high birth rate has led to its population growth outpacing much of the rest of the country over the last decade. These trends are likely to continue into the future as people continue making decisions about where to settle based on economic factors, though other factors such as climate change could also come into play if they impact certain areas more than others.
| # | State | Population Growth | Population Density | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 15.05% | 41.67 per mi² | 3,337,975 |
| 2 | Idaho | 14.34% | 23.24 per mi² | 1,900,923 |
| 3 | Texas | 13.36% | 116.16 per mi² | 29,527,941 |
| 4 | North Dakota | 13.31% | 11.75 per mi² | 774,948 |
| 5 | Nevada | 12.68% | 29.38 per mi² | 3,143,991 |
| 6 | Colorado | 12.57% | 57.86 per mi² | 5,812,069 |
| 7 | Washington | 12.41% | 120.37 per mi² | 7,738,692 |
| 8 | Florida | 12.39% | 416.96 per mi² | 21,781,128 |
| 9 | Arizona | 10.4% | 64.96 per mi² | 7,276,316 |
| 10 | South Carolina | 9.45% | 175.19 per mi² | 5,190,705 |
| 11 | Oregon | 9.41% | 45.41 per mi² | 4,246,155 |
| 12 | Georgia | 9.38% | 191.59 per mi² | 10,799,566 |
| 13 | Delaware | 9.12% | 522.09 per mi² | 1,003,384 |
| 14 | Montana | 8.59% | 7.64 per mi² | 1,104,271 |
| 15 | North Carolina | 8.51% | 220.3 per mi² | 10,551,162 |
| 16 | South Dakota | 8.04% | 11.98 per mi² | 895,376 |
| 17 | Tennessee | 8.04% | 171.71 per mi² | 6,975,218 |
| 18 | Virginia | 7.2% | 223.36 per mi² | 8,642,274 |
| 19 | Minnesota | 6.96% | 73.18 per mi² | 5,707,390 |
| 20 | Nebraska | 6.8% | 26.06 per mi² | 1,963,692 |
| 21 | Massachusetts | 6.77% | 919.82 per mi² | 6,984,723 |
| 22 | Maryland | 6.45% | 648.84 per mi² | 6,165,129 |
| 23 | Hawaii | 6.44% | 231.01 per mi² | 1,441,553 |
| 24 | California | 5.71% | 258.21 per mi² | 39,237,836 |
| 25 | New Jersey | 5.29% | 1,283.4 per mi² | 9,267,130 |
| 26 | Oklahoma | 5.2% | 58.63 per mi² | 3,986,639 |
| 27 | Alabama | 4.82% | 100.65 per mi² | 5,039,877 |
| 28 | Iowa | 4.47% | 57.89 per mi² | 3,193,079 |
| 29 | Indiana | 4.41% | 191.93 per mi² | 6,805,985 |
| 30 | New Hampshire | 4.39% | 155.91 per mi² | 1,388,992 |
| 31 | Rhode Island | 4.05% | 1,074.3 per mi² | 1,095,610 |
| 32 | New York | 4.04% | 433.9 per mi² | 19,835,913 |
| 33 | Kentucky | 3.67% | 115.38 per mi² | 4,509,394 |
| 34 | Wisconsin | 3.48% | 109.97 per mi² | 5,895,908 |
| 35 | Arkansas | 3.15% | 58.43 per mi² | 3,025,891 |
| 36 | Alaska | 3.14% | 1.3 per mi² | 732,673 |
| 37 | Kansas | 2.87% | 36.24 per mi² | 2,934,582 |
| 38 | New Mexico | 2.74% | 17.6 per mi² | 2,115,877 |
| 39 | Missouri | 2.68% | 90.26 per mi² | 6,168,187 |
| 40 | Vermont | 2.68% | 70.34 per mi² | 645,570 |
| 41 | Louisiana | 2.66% | 108.67 per mi² | 4,624,047 |
| 42 | Maine | 2.48% | 44.5 per mi² | 1,372,247 |
| 43 | Pennsylvania | 2.3% | 292.62 per mi² | 12,964,056 |
| 44 | Wyoming | 2.28% | 5.98 per mi² | 578,803 |
| 45 | Ohio | 2.22% | 290.7 per mi² | 11,780,017 |
| 46 | Michigan | 1.91% | 179.26 per mi² | 10,050,811 |
| 47 | Connecticut | 0.88% | 746.7 per mi² | 3,605,597 |
| 48 | Illinois | -0.14% | 230.68 per mi² | 12,671,469 |
| 49 | Mississippi | -0.2% | 63.07 per mi² | 2,949,965 |
| 50 | West Virginia | -3.33% | 73.88 per mi² | 1,782,959 |
Population Growth by State
Alabama
4.82%
Ranked in the US
#27
100.65 per mi²
↑ 1.15%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#27
Population
5,039,877
Ranked in the US
#24
Alabama is the twenty-seventh fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 5%.
Alaska
3.14%
Ranked in the US
#36
1.3 per mi²
↑ 1.56%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#50
Population
732,673
Ranked in the US
#49
Alaska saw a 3% population growth, likely influenced by factors such as natural resource development and tourism.
Arizona
10.4%
Ranked in the US
#9
64.96 per mi²
↑ 1.47%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#32
Population
7,276,316
Ranked in the US
#14
Arizona is the ninth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 10%.
Arkansas
3.15%
Ranked in the US
#35
58.43 per mi²
↑ 0.41%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#35
Population
3,025,891
Ranked in the US
#34
Arkansas experienced a comparable growth rate of 3%, indicating a gradual increase in its population.
California
5.71%
Ranked in the US
#24
258.21 per mi²
↑ 2.57%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#11
Population
39,237,836
Ranked in the US
#1
California is the twenty-fourth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 6%.
Colorado
12.57%
Ranked in the US
#6
57.86 per mi²
↑ 3.17%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#37
Population
5,812,069
Ranked in the US
#21
Colorado is the sixth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 13%.
Connecticut
0.88%
Ranked in the US
#47
746.7 per mi²
↑ 0.29%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#4
Population
3,605,597
Ranked in the US
#29
Connecticut experienced a 1% population growth, showcasing its appeal as a Northeastern state with a high standard of living.
Delaware
9.12%
Ranked in the US
#13
522.09 per mi²
↑ 1.39%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#6
Population
1,003,384
Ranked in the US
#46
Delaware is the thirteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 9%.
Florida
12.39%
Ranked in the US
#8
416.96 per mi²
↑ 2.7%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#8
Population
21,781,128
Ranked in the US
#3
Florida is the eighth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 12%.
Georgia
9.38%
Ranked in the US
#12
191.59 per mi²
↑ 2.39%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#17
Population
10,799,566
Ranked in the US
#8
Georgia is the twelfth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 9%.
Hawaii
6.44%
Ranked in the US
#23
231.01 per mi²
↑ 2.92%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#12
Population
1,441,553
Ranked in the US
#41
Hawaii is the twenty-third fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 6%.
Idaho
14.34%
Ranked in the US
#2
23.24 per mi²
↑ 1.04%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#44
Population
1,900,923
Ranked in the US
#39
Idaho is the second fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 14%.
Illinois
-0.14%
Ranked in the US
#48
230.68 per mi²
↑ 1.06%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#13
Population
12,671,469
Ranked in the US
#6
Illinois saw no population growth in 2022, suggesting stable demographics in the state.
Indiana
4.41%
Ranked in the US
#29
191.93 per mi²
↑ 1.03%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#16
Population
6,805,985
Ranked in the US
#17
Indiana is the twenty-ninth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 4%.
Iowa
4.47%
Ranked in the US
#28
57.89 per mi²
↑ 1.26%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#36
Population
3,193,079
Ranked in the US
#32
Iowa is the twenty-eighth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 4%.
Kansas
2.87%
Ranked in the US
#37
36.24 per mi²
↑ 0.98%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#41
Population
2,934,582
Ranked in the US
#36
Kansas also recorded a 3% population growth, suggesting steady growth in the state.
Kentucky
3.67%
Ranked in the US
#33
115.38 per mi²
↑ 1.04%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#24
Population
4,509,394
Ranked in the US
#26
Kentucky demonstrated a growth rate of 4%, contributing to its evolving demographic landscape.
Louisiana
2.66%
Ranked in the US
#41
108.67 per mi²
↑ 1.55%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#26
Population
4,624,047
Ranked in the US
#25
Louisiana recorded a population growth of 3%, contributing to its vibrant cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
Maine
2.48%
Ranked in the US
#42
44.5 per mi²
↑ 0.02%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#39
Population
1,372,247
Ranked in the US
#43
Maine experienced a 2% population growth, showcasing its appeal as a scenic coastal state with a rich history.
Maryland
6.45%
Ranked in the US
#22
648.84 per mi²
↑ 2.2%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#5
Population
6,165,129
Ranked in the US
#19
Maryland is the twenty-second fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 6%.
Massachusetts
6.77%
Ranked in the US
#21
919.82 per mi²
↑ 2.73%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#3
Population
6,984,723
Ranked in the US
#15
Massachusetts is the twenty-first fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 7%.
Michigan
1.91%
Ranked in the US
#46
179.26 per mi²
↑ 0.96%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#18
Population
10,050,811
Ranked in the US
#10
Michigan saw a 2% population growth, reflecting its resurgence as an automotive and technology hub.
Minnesota
6.96%
Ranked in the US
#19
73.18 per mi²
↑ 2.09%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#30
Population
5,707,390
Ranked in the US
#22
Minnesota is the nineteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 7%.
Mississippi
-0.2%
Ranked in the US
#49
63.07 per mi²
↑ 0.32%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#33
Population
2,949,965
Ranked in the US
#35
Mississippi also experienced no population growth, indicating a relatively steady population in the state.
Missouri
2.68%
Ranked in the US
#39
90.26 per mi²
↑ 0.6%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#28
Population
6,168,187
Ranked in the US
#18
Missouri experienced a population growth of 3%, reflecting its appeal as a Midwestern state with a variety of urban and rural areas.
Montana
8.59%
Ranked in the US
#14
7.64 per mi²
↑ 0.66%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#48
Population
1,104,271
Ranked in the US
#44
Montana is the fourteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 9%.
Nebraska
Ranked in the US
#20
26.06 per mi²
↑ 1.96%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#43
Population
1,963,692
Ranked in the US
#38
Nebraska is the twentieth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 7%.
Nevada
12.68%
Ranked in the US
#5
29.38 per mi²
↑ 2.66%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#42
Population
3,143,991
Ranked in the US
#33
Nevada is the fifth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 13%.
New Hampshire
4.39%
Ranked in the US
#30
155.91 per mi²
↑ 0.5%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#21
Population
1,388,992
Ranked in the US
#42
New Hampshire is the thirtieth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 4%.
New Jersey
5.29%
Ranked in the US
#25
1,283.4 per mi²
↑ 1.85%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#1
Population
9,267,130
Ranked in the US
#11
New Jersey is the twenty-fifth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 5%.
New Mexico
2.74%
Ranked in the US
#38
17.6 per mi²
↑ 0.92%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#45
Population
2,115,877
Ranked in the US
#37
New Mexico demonstrated a similar growth rate of 3%, potentially influenced by its cultural diversity and scenic landscapes.
New York
4.04%
Ranked in the US
#32
433.9 per mi²
↑ 3.08%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#7
Population
19,835,913
Ranked in the US
#4
New York also saw a 4% population growth, reflecting the continued attractiveness of the state.
North Carolina
8.51%
Ranked in the US
#15
220.3 per mi²
↑ 1.52%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#15
Population
10,551,162
Ranked in the US
#9
North Carolina is the fifteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 9%.
North Dakota
13.31%
Ranked in the US
#4
11.75 per mi²
↑ 4.63%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#47
Population
774,948
Ranked in the US
#48
North Dakota is the fourth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 13%.
Ohio
2.22%
Ranked in the US
#45
290.7 per mi²
↑ 0.83%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#10
Population
11,780,017
Ranked in the US
#7
Ohio recorded a 2% population growth, indicating steady growth in the state's diverse industries and communities.
Oklahoma
Ranked in the US
#26
58.63 per mi²
↑ 0.88%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#34
Population
3,986,639
Ranked in the US
#28
Oklahoma is the twenty-sixth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 5%.
Oregon
9.41%
Ranked in the US
#11
45.41 per mi²
↑ 2.67%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#38
Population
4,246,155
Ranked in the US
#27
Oregon is the eleventh fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 9%.
Pennsylvania
Ranked in the US
#43
292.62 per mi²
↑ 0.99%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#9
Population
12,964,056
Ranked in the US
#5
Pennsylvania saw a 2% population growth, reflecting its diverse urban centers and strong educational institutions.
Rhode Island
4.05%
Ranked in the US
#31
1,074.3 per mi²
↑ 1.38%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#2
Population
1,095,610
Ranked in the US
#45
Rhode Island experienced a population growth of 4% in 2022.
South Carolina
9.45%
Ranked in the US
#10
175.19 per mi²
↑ 1.47%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#19
Population
5,190,705
Ranked in the US
#23
South Dakota
8.04%
Ranked in the US
#16
11.98 per mi²
↑ 1.44%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#46
Population
895,376
Ranked in the US
#47
South Dakota is the sixteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 8%.
Tennessee
8.04%
Ranked in the US
#17
171.71 per mi²
↑ 1.5%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#20
Population
6,975,218
Ranked in the US
#16
Tennessee is the seventeenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 8%.
Texas
13.36%
Ranked in the US
#3
116.16 per mi²
↑ 2.78%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#23
Population
29,527,941
Ranked in the US
#2
Texas is the third fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 13%.
Utah
15.05%
Ranked in the US
#1
41.67 per mi²
↑ 2.84%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#40
Population
3,337,975
Ranked in the US
#30
Utah is the fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 15%.
Vermont
2.68%
Ranked in the US
#40
70.34 per mi²
↑ 0.43%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#31
Population
645,570
Ranked in the US
#51
Vermont saw a 3% population growth, highlighting its attractiveness as a picturesque New England state.
Virginia
Ranked in the US
#18
223.36 per mi²
↑ 2.04%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#14
Population
8,642,274
Ranked in the US
#12
Virginia is the eighteenth fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 7%.
Washington
12.41%
Ranked in the US
#7
120.37 per mi²
↑ 3.37%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#22
Population
7,738,692
Ranked in the US
#13
Washington is the seventh fastest growing state with a population growth rate of 12%.
West Virginia
-3.33%
Ranked in the US
#50
73.88 per mi²
↓ 0.38%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#29
Population
1,782,959
Ranked in the US
#40
West Virginia witnessed a negative growth rate of -3.33%, reflecting a decline in population, potentially influenced by economic factors and outmigration.
Wisconsin
3.48%
Ranked in the US
#34
109.97 per mi²
↑ 1.03%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#25
Population
5,895,908
Ranked in the US
#20
Wisconsin recorded a population growth of 3%, signaling moderate expansion in the state.
Wyoming
2.28%
Ranked in the US
#44
5.98 per mi²
↑ 0.34%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#49
Population
578,803
Ranked in the US
#52
Wyoming demonstrated a 2% population growth, potentially influenced by its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
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