While the U.S. population grew from 2010-2020, it was at a slower rate than in any decade in nearly a century, according to new census data.
Census data unveiled on Monday revealed that the U.S. population on April 1, 2020, was 331.5 million, an increase of only 7.4% from 2010.
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The only decade dating back to the 1910s that experienced a slower increase in population growth was the 1930s, during the Great Depression, where it increased by 7.3% from 1930-1940, according to the Washington Post. Slowed population growth is a trend dating back 30 years. From 1990-2000, the population increased by 13.2%, but from 2000-2010 that number dipped to 9.7%.
States with the highest increase include Utah, which saw 18.4% growth; Texas, with 15.9% growth; North Dakota, with 15.7% growth; and Washington and Florida, tied at 14.6% growth.
Three states saw their population drop during the last decade — West Virginia’s population shrunk by 3.2%, Mississippi’s by 0.2%, and Illinois's by 0.1%. But, those pale in comparison to Puerto Rico, a territory whose population decreased by 11.8% over the last 10 years.
The census also determines the congressional apportionment for the House of Representatives. Six states gained a seat in the House based on the census data, while seven lost one.
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Florida, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon will gain a seat while Texas will gain two. California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia will lose a seat.
