Arizona Now Fastest Growing State by Lew Sichelman
Arizona has surpassed Nevada as the nation's fastest growing state, according to the latest Census Bureau estimates. At the same time, Louisiana lost nearly 5 percent of its pre-Katrina population. Between July 2005 and July 2006, Arizona's population grew by 3.6 percent, besting Nevada's 3.5 percent gain. Idaho grew by 2.6 percent during the 12-month period, followed by Georgia and Texas at 2.5 percent each. 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 this year's list. At the other end of the spectrum, Louisiana's population totaled 4.3 million as of July 1, down nearly 220,000 from a year earlier. Between July 2004 and July 2005, the state added 12,000 new residents. Numerically, Texas gained more people than any other state over the 12-month period with a gain of 579,275. Florida added 321,697 people, while California gained 303,402. Rounding out the top five states were Georgia, with 231,388 new residents, and Arizona, with 213,311. According to the estimates, California remains the most populous state with 36.5 million inhabitants. Texas is next with 23.5 million people, followed by New York with 19.3 million, Florida with 18.1 million and Illinois with 12.8 million July 1, 2006. Here are some of the other more interesting government population estimates: - North Carolina has replaced New Jersey as the 10th most populous state in the land.
- The Northeast region grew by only 62,000 people. In comparison, the South grew by 1.5 million and the West by 1 million. The Midwest added 281,000 people.
- The West was the country's fastest-growing region. Its population grew by 1.5 percent over the July-to-July period. The South was a close second with 1.4 percent growth rate, followed by the Midwest at 0.4 percent and the Northeast at 0.1 percent.
- The South now accounts for 36 percent of the nation's total population. The West has 23 percent; the Midwest, 22 percent, and the Northeast, 18 percent.
Ten Fastest Growing States | State | Percent |
|---|
| Arizona | 3.6 | | Nevada | 3.5 | | Idaho | 2.6 | | Georgia | 2.5 | | Texas | 2.5 | | Utah | 2.4 | | North Carolina | 2.1 | | Colorado | 1.9 | | Florida | 1.8 | | South Carolina | 1.7 |
Biggest Population Growth | State | Numeric Change |
|---|
| Texas | 579,275 | | Florida | 321,697 | | California | 303,402 | | Georgia | 231,388 | | Arizona | 213,311 | | North Carolina | 184,046 | | Washington | 103,899 | | Colorado | 90,082 | | Nevada | 83,228 | | Tennessee | 83,058 |
Source: Census Bureau |
