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Warren Today
By the People, for the People
Pennsylvania Gains Population as New York Sees Exodus
Latest U.S. Census data shows contrasting population trends in neighboring states
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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According to the latest U.S. Census projections, Pennsylvania gained over 14,000 residents in the past year and has seen a population increase of 56,000 over the last six years, reaching 13,059,432 residents. In contrast, New York state saw only a slight gain of 1,000 residents in 2025 and has lost around 120,000 residents since 2020, though it remains the fourth largest state. The slowdown in U.S. population growth is largely attributed to a decline in net international migration.
Why it matters
The population trends in Pennsylvania and New York highlight the contrasting economic and demographic shifts occurring in neighboring states. Pennsylvania's modest population growth suggests relative stability, while New York's exodus points to broader challenges the state is facing that are driving residents to leave. These population changes have significant implications for tax revenue, government services, and the overall economic outlook of the two states.
The details
Pennsylvania gained over 14,000 residents in the past year, continuing a trend of modest population growth in the state. In contrast, New York saw only a slight gain of 1,000 residents in 2025, and has lost around 120,000 residents since 2020. The Census Bureau attributes the nationwide slowdown in population growth to a sharp decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million between July 2024 and June 2025.
- Pennsylvania gained over 14,000 residents in the past year.
- Pennsylvania has seen a population increase of 56,000 over the last six years.
- New York state saw a gain of 1,000 residents in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- New York has lost around 120,000 residents since 2020.
The players
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which has seen modest population growth in recent years.
New York
The state of New York, which has experienced a population exodus in recent years, though it remains the fourth largest state in the country.
U.S. Census Bureau
The federal agency responsible for collecting and analyzing population data in the United States.
What they’re saying
“The slowdown in U.S. population growth is largely due to a historic decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million in the period from July 2024 through June 2025.”
— Christine Hartley, Assistant Division Chief for Estimates and Projections at the Census Bureau
The takeaway
The contrasting population trends in Pennsylvania and New York highlight the broader demographic shifts occurring across the United States. While Pennsylvania has seen modest growth, New York's population exodus points to the challenges the state is facing in retaining and attracting residents. These population changes have significant implications for the economic and political landscapes of the two states.
