The Quickest Growing States

Immigration and emigration patterns are two factors that influence the variance in population growth rates across different US states. Job opportunity increases and decreases also factor in as other contributing aspects. Natural growth is also associated with it, as in number of births less the number of deaths. Demographic economics is a related study that uses economics to analyze growth, size, distribution, and density of populations. Demographic transition also influences population growth. On the other hand, the demographic transition model (DTM) posits the link in lowered birthrate to social and economic improvement.

United.S. Census Bureau Estimates

The United States Census Bureau under the US Federal Statistical System is tasked to research and provide data of the American people and economy. It conducts a census survey every 10 years in the US which is also useful in allocating the number of seats in the US House of Representatives based on their population. In addition, it also does the U.S. Economic Census, the Current Population Survey, and the American Community Survey. The following top US States list by population growth is from the period of April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015 and was used by the US Census Bureau to estimate population growth rates in all 50 US states.

State-By-State Growth Statistics

North Dakota saw its largely rural population increase by one-eighth in only 5 short years, and that makes it the fastest growing US state in recent times. North Dakota was a state which experienced a 12.5% increase in population, in 2015 reaching 756,927 from 672,591 in 2010. Second is the District of Columbia, which gained 11.7% increase in population in 2015 to 672,228 from 601,723 in 2010. Third is Texas, which gained 9.2% increase in population in 2015 to 27,469,114 from 25,145,561 in 2010. Fourth is Colorado, which gained 8.5% increase in population in 2015 to 5,456,574 from 5,029,196 in 2010. Fifth is Utah, which gained 8.4% increase in population in 2015 to 2,995,919 from 2,763,885 in 2010. Sixth is Florida, which gained 7.8% increase in population in 2015 to 20,271,272 from 18,801,310 in 2010. Seventh is Nevada, which gained 7.1% increase in population in 2015 to 2,890,845 from 2,700,551 in 2010. Eighth is Arizona, which gained 6.8% increase in population in 2015 to 6,828,065 from 6,392,017 in 2010. Ninth is Washington, which gained 6.6% increase in population in 2015 to 7,170,351 from 6,724,540 in 2010. Tenth is South Carolina, which gained 5.9% increase in population in 2015 to 4,896,146 from 4,625,364 in 2010.

Demographics, Socioeconomic Conditions, and Geopolitical Environments Among The Leaders

North Dakota

As the US state with the highest population growth, North Dakota had a population decline in the 1980s but gained it slowly back in the 1990s due to job opportunities. Rural areas have been affected by urban migration in terms of income, employment growth, health care, and population. In general, the state’s population has become more educated but older.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia, with the second highest population growth of any US state, has been involved in a gentrification project as part of its urban revitalization. Many richer folks are moving into lower income neighborhoods. A 50% decline in African-American population and the increase of the white population occurred in 2010. A 53.7% increase in white migrants to the city has also been seen.

Texas

Texas, the US state with third highest population growth rate, has the second largest population and land area of all US states. Illegal immigration is a problem with an ever increasing number every month. Racial composition is made up of 70.4% whites, 11.8% African-Americans, 0.7% American Indians, 3.8% Asians, and 0.1% Pacific Islanders. Urban areas have two-thirds of the states’ population. Oil and natural resources makes up a part of its diverse economy.