In 2021, the United States population increased by just 393,000 at a growth rate of 0.12%, the lowest since the Census Bureau began collecting data in 1900, The NAHB’s Eye on Housing reports. Between 2020 and 2021, 29 states reported population growth, while 18 states and the District of Columbia lost part of their resident population. Declining population growth in 2021 was likely a result of decreasing fertility rates, limited international migration, and increasing mortality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the United States increased by 393,000 to an estimated 332 million from the previous year. In 2021, the estimated population growth rate of 0.12 percent was the lowest since the Bureau began collecting this data beginning in 1900.
Three states, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia remained virtually unchanged. Texas and Florida posted the largest numerical increases to their population, by 310,000 and 211,000 residents, respectively, among all the states. In percentage terms, Idaho and Utah had the greatest increases at 2.88 percent and 1.72 percent. The five states with the highest population were California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, the same as last year.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Affordability
How Much Income Do First-Time Buyers Need to Afford the Average Home?
The median-priced home is unaffordable in 44 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas
Affordability
What Is the Relationship Between Urban vs. Suburban Development and Affordability?
A new paper from Harvard's Joint Center looks at whether expanding the supply of suburban housing could, in turn, help make dense urban areas more affordable
Market Data + Trends
10 States Where Home Insurance Rates Have Risen the Most
Responding to the increasing number of natural disasters, insurers are hiking prices, with some states bearing the brunt more than others