The latest data from SmartAsset reveals that the population of the United States experienced an overall increase of 1.55% over the past year. However, this growth is not uniform across the states, with significant variations in population changes. Florida stands out with a remarkable growth rate of 3.37%, raising its population from 22.61 million to 23.27 million between 2023 and 2024.
Interestingly, Florida”s demographic trends indicate a slight decrease in the proportion of children under five and seniors, suggesting an influx of working-age adults into the state. In contrast, West Virginia is the only state to witness a population decline, experiencing a loss of 92 residents year-over-year, with its total population now at 1,769,979. This state is also aging, reflected in a decline of 1.18% in the number of children over five and a growth of 1.75% in seniors aged 65 and older.
New Hampshire is experiencing the fastest aging population, with the proportion of residents over 65 increasing from 20.7% to 21.5% within a year. Other states such as Wyoming, Montana, Vermont, and Alaska also show rapid aging trends. In contrast, only Iowa and South Carolina are seeing a rise in the proportion of children under five, indicating a demographic shift in these states.
The report from SmartAsset further analyzes population changes at the county level, offering insights into local demographic shifts that can influence various aspects of the economy, including housing, education, and infrastructure.
In summary, the data highlights significant disparities in population growth across the United States, with Florida leading the charge while West Virginia faces challenges related to demographic decline and aging.
