Census Estimates Show Population Growth Slowing Nationwide

South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina lead the nation in population growth, while Vermont, Hawaii, and West Virginia see declines.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The U.S. saw a year of slow population growth between 2024 and 2025, with the national population increasing by just 0.5%. However, not every state is feeling the same slowdown, according to newly released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina led the nation in population growth, while Vermont, Hawaii, and West Virginia saw declines.

Why it matters

Population growth and migration patterns have significant economic and political implications, affecting everything from congressional representation to the allocation of federal funding. The Census data provides valuable insights into demographic shifts that can inform policy decisions and business strategies.

The details

Nationally, the population grew by just 0.5% between July 2024 and July 2025, the slowest growth since 2021. This slowdown was fueled by a 'historic decline in net international migration,' according to Census officials. Only Montana and West Virginia did not see their population growth slow or their population decline speed up. The Midwest was the only region where every state saw population growth.

  • Between July 2024 and July 2025, the U.S. population increased by an estimated 1.8 million.
  • In 2024, the population grew by 1%, the fastest year-over-year growth since 2006.

The players

South Carolina

The fastest-growing state, with an estimated population increase of roughly 1.5% or nearly 80,000 new residents, making it the 23rd largest state in the country.

Texas

The state that gained the most residents, with a year-over-year population jump of more than 391,000 to a cumulative 31.7 million. Texas remains the second-most populous state behind California.

Vermont

The fastest-declining state, with a population decrease of about 1,800 or 0.29% year over year.

California

The state with the largest population drop, declining by more than 9,000 between 2024 and 2025. Since 2020, California's population has decreased by more than 170,000, the largest drop in the nation.

Christine Hartley

Assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the U.S. Census Bureau.

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What they’re saying

“A 'historic decline in net international migration' fueled last year's slowdown.”

— Christine Hartley, Assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the U.S. Census Bureau (wtnh.com)

The takeaway

The Census data highlights significant demographic shifts across the U.S., with some states experiencing rapid population growth while others see declines. These patterns have far-reaching implications for economic development, political representation, and the allocation of federal resources, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring population trends.