U.S. Counties See Population Declines as Immigration Slows

New Census data shows 40% of counties lost residents in 2024-2025 amid drop in international migration

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to new Census Bureau data, about 40% of U.S. counties lost population between July 2024 and July 2025, as a sharp decline in immigration slowed national growth and reversed gains in many regions. The U.S. population grew by just 1.8 million over the period, the slowest increase since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Census Bureau attributing the slowdown largely to a drop of over 50% in net international migration compared to the previous year.

Why it matters

The decline in immigration has significant economic implications, as reduced inflows are expected to lower consumer spending and slow GDP growth. Economists warn that the U.S. cannot simply 'turn on and off' the economic contributions of immigrants. The population losses were especially pronounced in border regions and major urban centers that typically rely on international migration to offset domestic outflows.

The details

Nine out of 10 counties saw lower levels of immigration in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Census Bureau. In major urban centers like New York, international inflows dropped sharply while more residents moved out, weakening overall growth. Cities such as Laredo, Texas, and Yuma, Arizona, saw growth rates fall sharply after earlier increases tied to migrant arrivals. Beyond demographics, economists warn of broader economic consequences, with reduced immigration expected to lower consumer spending and slow GDP growth.

  • Between July 2024 and July 2025, about 40% of U.S. counties lost population.
  • The U.S. population grew by 1.8 million over the period, the slowest increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players

Kenneth Johnson

A demographer at the University of New Hampshire.

George Hayward

A demographer at the Census Bureau.

Helen You

The interim director of the Texas Demographic Center.

Zeke Hernandez

A professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With so little natural increase, migration determines whether an area grows or declines.”

— Kenneth Johnson, Demographer

“The nation's largest counties... are often international migration hubs. Reduced inflows caused growth to diminish or even turn into loss.”

— George Hayward, Census Bureau demographer

“The rise-and-fall effect is linked to shifts in migration.”

— Helen You, Interim director, Texas Demographic Center

“Americans should care about declining immigration because they will be hurt economically. We can't turn those contributions... on and off like a spigot.”

— Zeke Hernandez, Professor, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School

What’s next

Economists and policymakers will continue to monitor the long-term economic impacts of reduced immigration, as the U.S. grapples with slowing population growth and the effects on industries and communities that have historically relied on international migration.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in immigration over the past year has had a significant impact on population growth across the United States, with 40% of counties experiencing losses. This trend has major economic implications, as reduced immigration is expected to lower consumer spending and slow GDP growth nationwide. The data highlights the importance of immigration to the country's demographic and economic vitality.