The Newest 100 Million Americans: Where Are They?

According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. population surpassed 300 million this morning. Less than 30 years ago, in 1967, the previous milestone of 200 million was crossed. California, with heavy foreign immigration, has of course led the way since then, with more than 17 million net new residents, followed by Texas and Florida, which each added more than 12 million. But the largest percentage increases are elsewhere in the West—Nevada's population is up 460% since 1967, and Arizona's is up 275%. Large out-migration from relatively expensive California means that the Golden State does not even make the top 10 (at 12th, up 91%).

The only place to lose population is the District of Columbia, which peaked in the 1940s and is down 31% in the past 29 years. Most Great Lakes and mid-Atlantic states have had only minimal gains.

by Dave Iaia