Most U.S. Population Growth Was in Southern, Western States
The U.S. population grew by 2.3 million between July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. Idaho had the largest percentage of growth, 2.2 percent, with an estimated population of over 1.7 million people.
The National Association of Home Builders reports that Texas had the largest numeric increase, adding 399,734 to the population during this time. California, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington rounded out the top five states with the largest numeric increases -- 52.3 percent of the total 2.3 million added. Eight states had population decreases; Wyoming had the largest percentage decline of 0.96 percent.
Research conducted by the Congressional Budget Office found that demographic changes are a key component of housing construction over the longer term. Regional analysis by the National Multifamily Housing Council has found that population increase is still the most important determinant of multifamily construction and the leading factor which contributes to demand in multifamily permits.