December 28, 2006

New Population Estimates Available!

The Population Estimates Program publishes total resident population estimates and demographic components of change (births, deaths, and migration) each year (containing a reference date of July 1). According to recently released population estimates, Texas gained more people than any other state between July 1, 2005 and July 1, 2006 (579,275). Florida and California followed, gaining 321,697 and 303,402, respectively. Rounding out the top five states were Georgia (231,388) and Arizona (213,311). Meanwhile, Arizona surpassed Nevada as the nation's fastest-growing state over the period, with its population rising 3.6 percent. Nevada ranked second, as its population climbed by 3.5 percent, followed by Idaho (2.6 percent), Georgia (2.5 percent) and Texas (2.5 percent).

The South and West again monopolized the list of fastest-growing states with Utah, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, and South Carolina rounding out the top 10. Colorado and South Carolina replaced Delaware and Oregon on the list this year.

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