The United States population has surpassed 340 million residents, with immigration driving growth to its fastest rate in over two decades, according to recent Census Bureau data.
At a Glance
- U.S. population growth reached its highest rate since 2001, increasing by nearly 1% in 2024
- Net international migration accounted for 84% of the 3.3 million-person increase from 2023 to 2024
- Immigration increased by 2.8 million people in 2024, partly due to new counting methods
- The South was the fastest-growing region, adding nearly 1.8 million people
- Population increased in 47 states and the District of Columbia, with Texas seeing the largest numeric increase
Record-Breaking Population Growth
The United States has experienced a significant surge in population growth, reaching levels not seen in over two decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation’s population has surpassed 340 million residents, with immigration playing a crucial role in this unprecedented increase.
“Immigration to the United States in 2024 drove U.S. population growth to its fastest rate in 23 years as the nation surpassed 340 million residents,” the U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday.
Immigration: The Primary Driver of Growth
The Census Bureau reports that net international migration has become the primary driver of the nation’s growth, accounting for a staggering 84% of the 3.3 million-person increase from 2023 to 2024. This shift marks a significant change in the demographic landscape of the United States.
“What stands out is the diminishing role of natural increase over the last five years, as net international migration has become the primary driver of the nation’s growth,” Census Bureau demographer Kristie Wilder said.
Regional Growth Patterns
The South emerged as the fastest-growing region in the country, adding nearly 1.8 million people. This growth was driven by both international and domestic migration. Texas and Florida experienced the largest numeric gains in the South, while the District of Columbia grew at the fastest rate.
The West saw an increase of almost 688,000 people, with California and Arizona leading in numeric gains. The Northeast experienced a 0.76% increase, largely due to net international migration. The Midwest’s population grew by over 410,000, with Illinois and Ohio showing the largest gains.
Impact on Individual States
Population growth was not uniform across the country, with 47 states and the District of Columbia experiencing increases. Texas stood out with the largest numeric increase. However, three states – Vermont, Mississippi, and West Virginia – saw slight population decreases.
“An annual growth rate of 1.0% is higher than what we’ve seen over recent years but well within historical norms,” Kristie Wilder said.
The Census Bureau’s updated methodology for counting immigrants has provided a clearer picture of the nation’s demographic changes. These population estimates are crucial for distributing federal funding and are updated annually between the decennial census.
