Top 51 U.S. States by Population

In 2024, the United States achieved a significant milestone, with the national population surpassing 340 million for the first time.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 population estimates, the country experienced its fastest growth rate since 2001, adding 3.3 million residents between July 2023 and July 2024.

Overview of U.S. Population in 2024

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimates, the nation has reached several noteworthy demographic milestones:

• Total population: (As of July 1, 2024) The United States population stood at 340,110,988.
• Annual Growth: The Population grew by 3,304,757 individuals from 2023 to 2024, representing a 0.98% increase in the highest annual growth rate recorded since 2001.
• Migration and Natural Increase:
• 84% of the total population and making it the dominant contributor.
• The remaining 16% of population growth was attributable to natural increase, defined as excess births over deaths.
• Regional Trends: The Southern region became the fastest-growing area by adding nearly 1.8 million residents during one year.

The Ten Most Populous States in 2024

Based on the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 population estimates, these states had the most significant populations as of July 1, 2024:

1. California: 39,431,263 residents
2. Texas: 31,290,831 residents
3. Florida: 23,372,215 residents
4. New York: 19,867,248 residents
5. Pennsylvania: 13,078,751 residents
6. Illinois: 12,710,158 residents
7. Ohio: 11,883,304 residents
8. Georgia: 11,180,878 residents
9. North Carolina: 11,046,024 residents
10. Michigan: 10,140,459 residents

These ten states collectively account for more than 54% of the total U.S. population, demonstrating the significant concentration of the American Population in a relatively small number of states.

Population Distribution and Concentration

The distribution of Population across U.S. states remains highly uneven, with significant implications for political representation, economic development, and resource allocation:

• The top three states (California, Texas, and Florida) account for 27.7% of the U.S. population.
• California alone represents 11.6% of the total U.S. population.
• The smallest state by Population (Wyoming) has fewer than 600,000 residents, representing just 0.17% of the U.S. population.
• The ratio of the largest state to the smallest is approximately 67:1
• Twenty-five states have populations above 4 million.
• Ten states have populations below 2 million.

Regional Population Distribution

The Census Bureau organizes states into four major regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The 2024 population estimates show continuing shifts:

Regional population totals (July 1, 2024):

• South: 132,665,693 (39.0% of the U.S. population)
• West: 80,015,776 (23.5% of the U.S. population)
• Midwest: 69,596,584 (20.5% of the U.S. population)
• Northeast: 57,832,935 (17.0% of the U.S. population)

The South is the most populous and fastest-growing region, adding nearly 1.8 million residents between 2023 and 2024. This ongoing shift toward the South and West represents a continuation of long-term migration patterns that have reshaped the demographic landscape of the United States over the past several decades.

Population Growth Patterns

The 2023-2024 period showed varied growth patterns across states, with some experiencing robust population increases while others saw minimal growth or even slight declines:

State growth highlights (July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024):

• Florida experienced the highest percentage growth among large states at 2.04%.
• Texas added the most residents in absolute numbers with a growth rate of 1.83%.
• 9 states added more than 100,000 people each: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington and 47 states encountered population enlargement.
• The median state growth rate was approximately 0.7%
• Growth was robust in the Sun Belt states, continuing long-term migration trends.

Components of Population Change

Population change results from the interplay of natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration (both domestic and international). The Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimates provide detailed data on these components:

Key component facts:

• Natural increase nationally added 518,638 people (3,605,563 births minus 3,086,925 deaths).
• International migration contributed 2,786,119 people to U.S. population growth.
• The South gained 411,004 residents from domestic migration, while the Northeast (-192,109), Midwest (-49,214), and West (-169,681) experienced net domestic outflows.
• California had the highest natural increase (110,466) but lost 239,575 residents to domestic outmigration.
• Florida gained 2.04% in population despite a natural decrease in some areas, due to strong domestic and international migration.
• Texas benefited from both a substantial natural increase and positive net migration.

The 2024 estimates incorporate a methodological change to how the Census Bureau estimated net international migration, resulting in substantially higher nationwide estimates of net international migration over the last several years.

Population Density Analysis

Population density (Population per square mile) varies dramatically across U.S. states.

It contemplating various settlement patterns, geographical features, and historical development paths like

Density highlights (based on 2024 population estimates):

• New Jersey is the most densely inhabited state (approximately 1,308 people per square mile).
• Alaska is the least densely populated state (approximately one person per square mile).
• The national average population density (approximately 94 people per square mile).
• Ten states have population densities exceeding (300 people per square mile).
• Seventeen states have densities (below 100 people per square mile).
• Western states generally have lower population densities than Eastern states.
• Columbia has the most increased population viscosity in the country (about 11,700 people per square mile).

Population Changes Since the 2020 Census

Examining cumulative population change since the 2020 Census provides a longer-term perspective on state population dynamics:

Cumulative change highlights (April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024):

• The U.S. population increased by 8,595,252 (2.6%) during this period.
• Florida added 1,834,028 residents (8.5% growth).
• Texas added 2,145,326 residents (7.4% growth).
• Seventeen states grew by more than 4% over these four years.
• The South region grew by 6,384,156 residents (5.1%), accounting for 74% of total U.S. growth.
• The Northeast region grew by just 215,229 residents (0.4%).

The Smallest States by Population

While much attention focuses on the most populous states, examining the smallest states provides a complete picture of the U.S. population distribution:

The ten least populous states in 2024:

1. Wyoming: 587,618
2. Vermont: 648,493
3. Alaska: 740,133
4. North Dakota: 796,568
5. South Dakota: 924,669
6. Delaware: 1,051,917
7. Rhode Island: 1,112,308
8. Montana: 1,137,233
9. Maine: 1,405,012
10. New Hampshire: 1,409,032

Small state statistical insights:

• The ten smallest states collectively have 9,812,983 residents, fewer than Michigan alone.
• These states represent about 2.9% of the U.S. population but 20% of all states.
• Wyoming’s population is 1.5% of California’s, yet both have equal representation in the U.S. Senate.
• Seven of the ten smallest states experienced growth from 2023 to 2024.
• Five of the ten smallest states are in the Northeast region.

Metropolitan Area Populations

Metropolitan areas often cross state boundaries and provide an alternative geographic lens for understanding population distribution:

Metropolitan area insights:

• Approximately 86.4% of the U.S. population (293,884,621 people) lives in Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
• The New York-Newark-Jersey City MSA remains the most extensive metro area.
• The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA ranks second.
• The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA ranks third.
• Ten metropolitan areas have populations exceeding 5 million.
• The fastest-growing large metropolitan areas were predominantly in the South and West regions.

Demographic Characteristics of the Population

Above total population counts, the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimations provide perspicuity into key demographic elements of the U.S. population:

Key demographic statistics:

• The voting-age population (aged 18 and over) gained 267 million, comprising 78.5% of the total U.S. population.
• Meanwhile, youths under 18 experienced a slight decline of 0.2%, totaling approximately 73.1 million.
• All states are experiencing the aging of their populations, though at varying rates.
• The dependency ratio (Population under 18 and over 65 relative to the working-age population) varies significantly across states.

Methodological Notes on Census Bureau Estimates

Understanding how the Census Bureau produces population estimates is essential for the proper interpretation and use of the data:

Methodological highlights:

• The Vintage 2024 estimates use the 2020 Census as the population base.
• Annual estimates are produced using the components of the change method (adding births, subtracting deaths, and accounting for migration).
• International migration methodology was revised for the Vintage 2024 estimates, resulting in higher estimates of net international migration.
• Birth and death statistics come from the National Center for Health Statistics.
• Domestic migration is estimated using administrative records.
• The estimates include the resident population and exclude Americans overseas except military and federal civilian employees stationed abroad (and their dependents).
• All estimates are as of July 1 of the reference year.

The Census Bureau notes that the entire time series is revised for all years back to the last census with each new release of annual estimates. All previously published estimates (old vintages) are superseded and archived.

Implications of Population Trends

State population changes have far-reaching implications across multiple domains:

Implication highlights:

• The 2030 Census results will determine congressional reapportionment for the 2030s decade.
• Based on current trends, Texas and Florida are likely to gain congressional seats.
• Population growth drives housing demand, affecting affordability, particularly in fast-growing states.
• Population totals influence state tax revenues and federal funding allocations.
• Infrastructure needs (transportation, water, energy) scale with population growth.
• Labor force availability is directly tied to working-age population trends.
• Environmental pressures correlate with population density and growth.

Domestic Migration Patterns by Region

Internal migration across U.S. regions continues to drive notable demographic shifts:

• The South encountered the most significant net gain adding 411,004 residents through domestic migration.
• The Northeast saw a net loss of 192,109 residents to other parts of the country.
• The Midwest experienced a smaller net outflow, losing 49,214 residents.
• The West recorded a net loss of 169,681 residents due to domestic migration.

These patterns reflect the continuing appeal of the Southern states for domestic migrants. At the same time, the other three regions experienced net domestic outflows despite overall population growth driven by international migration and (in some cases) natural increase.

Implications of Population Trends

State population changes have far-reaching implications across multiple domains:

• Congressional Reapportionment: The 2030 Census results will determine congressional reapportionment for the 2030s decade. Based on current trends, Texas and Florida will likely gain seats, while states in the Northeast and Midwest may lose representation.
• Fiscal Impact: Population size directly affects state revenue capacity and expenditure needs. According to historical fiscal capacity research, states with lower populations often face challenges in generating sufficient revenue to meet their expenditure needs.
• Economic Development: Population growth drives economic expansion through increased labor force, consumer spending, and housing development. States with robust population growth generally experience stronger financial performance.
• Housing Markets: Resident enlargement makes the demand for housing, impacting home prices and rental rates.
• Fast-growing states like Florida, Texas, and Idaho have undergone noteworthy housing market pressures.
• Infrastructure Needs: Inhabitant growth necessitates the elaboration of transportation grids, water systems, utilities, and public facilities.
• Public Services: Residents’ changes simulate demand for public courtesies including education, healthcare, and safety. The changing age configuration of the residents creates particular challenges as the population ages.
• Environmental Considerations: Resident’s density and growth patterns affect environmental quality, resource consumption, and sustainability efforts. Higher-density states face extra environmental challenges than more sparsely inhabited areas.

Future Population Releases

The Census Bureau releases population estimates on a rolling schedule:

• National and state population estimates – December 2024 (released).
• County population estimates – February 2025 (released).
• Subcounty (City and Town) estimates – May 15, 2025 (scheduled).
• On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau will publish national, state, and county housing unit totals.

These forthcoming releases will provide more details, including population estimates for counties, cities, and towns.

Here is the full list of the U.S. States by population:

Rank	U.S. States	Total Population (in millions)
1	California	39.43
2	Texas	31.29
3	Florida	23.37
4	New York	19.87
5	Pennsylvania	13.08
6	Illinois	12.71
7	Ohio	11.88
8	Georgia	11.18
9	North Carolina	11.05
10	Michigan	10.14
11	New Jersey	9.50
12	Virginia	8.81
13	Washington	7.96
14	Arizona	7.58
15	Tennessee	7.23
16	Massachusetts	7.14
17	Indiana	6.92
18	Maryland	6.26
19	Missouri	6.25
20	Colorado	5.96
21	Wisconsin	5.96
22	Minnesota	5.79
23	South Carolina	5.48
24	Alabama	5.16
25	Louisiana	4.60
26	Kentucky	4.59
27	Oregon	4.27
28	Oklahoma	4.10
29	Connecticut	3.68
30	Utah	3.50
31	Nevada	3.27
32	Iowa	3.24
33	Arkansas	3.09
34	Kansas	2.97
35	Mississippi	2.94
36	New Mexico	2.13
37	Nebraska	2.01
38	Idaho	2
39	West Virginia	1.77
40	Hawaii	1.45
41	Maine	1.41
42	New Hampshire	1.41
43	Montana	1.14
44	Rhode Island	1.11
45	Delaware	1.05
46	South Dakota	0.92
47	North Dakota	0.80
48	Alaska	0.74
49	District of Columbia	0.70
50	Vermont	0.65
51	Wyoming	0.59

Conclusion

With a national population exceeding 340 million and growing fastest since 2001, demographic dynamism remains a defining characteristic of American society.

The population landscape is characterized by:

• Continued dominance of California, Texas, and Florida as population centers.
• Strong growth in the South and more moderate growth in the West
• Population stagnation or modest growth in parts of the Northeast and Midwest.
• Increasing reliance on international migration as a driver of population growth.
• Aging populations across all states, though at varying rates.
• Metropolitan areas are the primary loci of population concentration.

These demographic trends carry meaningful implications for the nation’s future.

With the U.S. population nearing 350 million, a clear grasp of demographic trends and state-level shifts will be essential. This understanding is critical for informed decisions by policymakers, business leaders, and citizens.

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