US Population Growth Accelerates in 2024, Driven by Migration and Urbanization
The United States experienced notable population growth between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, with most cities seeing an increase in residents. According to recent data released by the Census Bureau, 387 U.S. metro areas reported population gains during this period, while only a handful saw declines. This growth was largely fueled by migration, both domestic and international, as people moved to urban and suburban areas in search of better opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. The report highlights a shifting demographic landscape, with certain regions booming while others face challenges in retaining residents.
Florida Leads the Charge in Population Growth
Florida emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with five of the top 11 metro areas by percentage growth located within its borders. Cities in Florida continued to attract new residents, drawn by the state’s warm climate, job opportunities, and relatively affordable housing compared to other parts of the country. The rapid growth in Florida’s metro areas underscores the state’s growing appeal as a destination for both domestic migrants and international immigrants. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which closely followed Florida’s leading metros in terms of growth, also saw significant population increases, further highlighting the broader trend of population shifts in the southeastern United States.
Migration Plays a Key Role in Shaping Population Trends
Migration was a critical factor in the population changes observed across the country. Positive net domestic migration—more people moving into an area than leaving—was the primary driver of growth for most of the 15 fastest-growing metros. This trend was particularly evident in Midland and Odessa, Texas, which had previously experienced population declines during the pandemic but rebounded in 2024. These cities’ recoveries demonstrate the resilience of local economies and their ability to attract new residents.
International migration also played a significant role in shaping population growth, particularly in urban areas. As noted by Kristie Wilder, a demographer at the Census Bureau, "Increasingly, population growth in metro areas is being shaped by international migration." This shift highlights how global movements of people are offsetting domestic outmigration in many regions. While births still contribute to overall growth, the impact of international migration is becoming increasingly important in sustaining population growth in many parts of the country.
County-Level Growth Varies Widely Across States
At the county level, population growth was widespread in some states while others experienced decline. For example, most counties in Florida, Washington, and Utah saw population increases, reflecting their strong economic performance and desirable living conditions. In contrast, many counties in West Virginia and Louisiana reported population declines, highlighting ongoing challenges in these regions, such as limited job opportunities and aging populations.
The Census Bureau noted that larger counties tended to grow faster in 2024, while smaller counties were more likely to experience population loss. This trend underscores the growing urban-rural divide in the United States, as urban areas continue to attract new residents and economic investment while rural areas struggle to retain population.
Few Metro Areas See Population Declines
While the vast majority of metro areas saw population growth, a small number experienced declines. Fairbanks-College, Alaska, had the largest percentage decrease, with its population dropping by about 0.8%. This decline was primarily due to more people moving out of the area than moving in domestically. However, even in areas with population losses, the declines were relatively small, suggesting that most regions are stabilizing or growing slowly rather than facing significant downturns.
A Dynamic and Evolving Demographic Landscape
The latest population data paints a dynamic and evolving picture of the United States.Migration—in both its domestic and international forms—continues to shape the growth of cities and regions, with urban areas attracting new residents at a faster pace than rural areas. While some states, like Florida, Utah, and Washington, are thriving with widespread population growth, others, such as West Virginia and Louisiana, face challenges in retaining their populations.
As the U.S. demographic landscape continues to shift, these trends highlight the interconnected factors that influence where people choose to live, work, and raise their families. Whether driven by economic opportunities, climate, affordability, or global migration patterns, the movement of people within and into the United States will remain a critical factor in shaping the future of its cities and communities. If you have a personal story about moving or relocation, share it with us at mhoff@businessinsider.com.
