In 2023, Washington, D.C. had the highest population density in the United States, with 11,130.69 people per square mile. As a whole, there were about 94.83 residents per square mile in the U.S., and Alaska was the state with the lowest population density, with 1.29 residents per square mile. The problem of population density Simply put, population density is the population of a country divided by the area of the country. While this can be an interesting measure of how many people live in a country and how large the country is, it does not account for the degree of urbanization, or the share of people who live in urban centers. For example, Russia is the largest country in the world and has a comparatively low population, so its population density is very low. However, much of the country is uninhabited, so cities in Russia are much more densely populated than the rest of the country. Urbanization in the United States While the United States is not very densely populated compared to other countries, its population density has increased significantly over the past few decades. The degree of urbanization has also increased, and well over half of the population lives in urban centers.

California was the state with the highest resident population in the United States in 2024, with 39.43 million people. Wyoming had the lowest population with about 590,000 residents. Living the American Dream Ever since the opening of the West in the United States, California has represented the American Dream for both Americans and immigrants to the U.S. The warm weather, appeal of Hollywood and Silicon Valley, as well as cities that stick in the imagination such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, help to encourage people to move to California. Californian demographics California is an extremely diverse state, as no one ethnicity is in the majority. Additionally, it has the highest percentage of foreign-born residents in the United States. By 2040, the population of California is expected to increase by almost 10 million residents, which goes to show that its appeal, both in reality and the imagination, is going nowhere fast.

New York was the most populous state in the union in the year 1900. It had the largest white population, for both native born and foreign born persons, and together these groups made up over 7.1 million of New York's 7.2 million inhabitants at this time. The United States' industrial centers to the north and northeast were one of the most important economic draws during this period, and states in these regions had the largest foreign born white populations. Ethnic minorities Immigration into the agricultural southern states was much lower than the north, and these states had the largest Black populations due to the legacy of slavery - this balance would begin to shift in the following decades as a large share of the Black population migrated to urban centers to the north during the Great Migration. The Japanese and Chinese populations at this time were more concentrated in the West, as these states were the most common point of entry for Asians into the country. The states with the largest Native American populations were to the west and southwest, due to the legacy of forced displacement - this included the Indian Territory, an unorganized and independent territory assigned to the Native American population in the early 1800s, although this was incorporated into Oklahoma when it was admitted into the union in 1907. Additionally, non-taxpaying Native Americans were historically omitted from the U.S. Census, as they usually lived in separate communities and could not vote or hold office - more of an effort was made to count all Native Americans from 1890 onward, although there are likely inaccuracies in the figures given here. Changing distribution Internal migration in the 20th century greatly changed population distribution across the country, with California and Florida now ranking among the three most populous states in the U.S. today, while they were outside the top 20 in 1900. The growth of Western states' populations was largely due to the wave of internal migration during the Great Depression, where unemployment in the east saw many emigrate to "newer" states in search of opportunity, as well as significant immigration from Latin America (especially Mexico) and Asia since the mid-1900s.

About this dataset

Context

This list ranks the 50 States in the United States by Asian population, as estimated by the United States Census Bureau. It also highlights population changes in each States over the past five years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, including:

• 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2017-2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Variables / Data Columns

• Rank by Asian Population: This column displays the rank of States in the United States by their Asian population, using the most recent ACS data available.
• States: The States for which the rank is shown in the previous column.
• Asian Population: The Asian population of the States is shown in this column.
• % of Total States Population: This shows what percentage of the total States population identifies as Asian. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• % of Total U.S. Asian Population: This tells us how much of the entire United States Asian population lives in that States. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• 5 Year Rank Trend: TThis column displays the rank trend across the last 5 years.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

The U.S. landscape has undergone substantial changes since Europeans first arrived. Many land use changes are attributable to human activity. Historical data concerning these changes are frequently limited and often difficult to develop. Modeling historical land use changes may be necessary. We develop annual population series from first European settlement to 1999 for all 50 states and Washington D.C. for use in modeling land use trends. Extensive research went into developing the historical data. Linear interpolation was used to complete the series after critically evaluating the appropriateness of linear interpolation versus exponential interpolation.

In 2023, the most populated federal state in Germany is North Rhine-Westphalia in the west, with a population of almost 18.2 million. The state capital is Düsseldorf. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in the south rounded up the top three, both with over ten million inhabitants.

U.S. Census Populated Place Areas represents the 2020 U.S. Census populated place areas of the United States that include incorporated places, cities, and census designated places identified by the U.S. Census Bureau.This layer is updated annually. The geography is sourced from U.S. Census Bureau 2020 TIGER FGDB (National Sub-State) and edited using TIGER Hydrography to add a detailed coastline for cartographic purposes. Attribute fields include 2020 total population from the U.S. Census Public Law 94 data. The Population Class field values represent population ranges as follows:Population from 0 - 249Population from 250 - 499Population from 500 - 999Population from 1,000 - 2,499Population from 2,500 - 9,999Population from 10,000 - 49,999Population from 50,000 - 99,999Population from 100,000 - 249,999Population from 250,000 - 499,999Population 500,000 and overThis ready-to-use layer can be used in ArcGIS Pro and in ArcGIS Online and its configurable apps, dashboards, StoryMaps, custom apps, and mobile apps. The data can also be exported for offline workflows. Cite the 'U.S. Census Bureau' when using this data.

United States Population: Alabama data was reported at 4,874,747.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,860,545.000 Person for 2016. United States Population: Alabama data is updated yearly, averaging 4,693,086.000 Person from Jun 2000 (Median) to 2017, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,874,747.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 4,451,849.000 Person in 2000. United States Population: Alabama data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G003: Population By State.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the United States population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of United States across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2024, the population of United States was 340.11 million, a 0.98% increase year-by-year from 2023. Previously, in 2023, United States population was 336.81 million, an increase of 0.83% compared to a population of 334.02 million in 2022. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2024, population of United States increased by 57.95 million. In this period, the peak population was 340.11 million in the year 2024. The numbers suggest that the population has not reached its peak yet and is showing a trend of further growth. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2024

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2024)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the United States is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in United States population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for United States Population by Year. You can refer the same here

This data set includes cities in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These cities were collected from the 1970 National Atlas of the United States. Where applicable, U.S. Census Bureau codes for named populated places were associated with each name to allow additional information to be attached. The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was also used as a source for additional information. This is a revised version of the December, 2003, data set.

This layer is sourced from maps.bts.dot.gov.

United States US: Population Projection: Mid Year data was reported at 420,267,733.000 Person in 2060. This records an increase from the previous number of 418,161,420.000 Person for 2059. United States US: Population Projection: Mid Year data is updated yearly, averaging 295,516,599.000 Person from Jun 1950 (Median) to 2060, with 111 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 420,267,733.000 Person in 2060 and a record low of 151,868,000.000 Person in 1950. United States US: Population Projection: Mid Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.US Census Bureau: Demographic Projection.

U.S. Census Populated Place Areas provides the boundaries and 2020 U.S. Census class, codes, and population information for the Census populated places of the United States.U.S. Census Populated Place Areas represents the 2020 U.S. Census populated place areas of the United States that include incorporated places, cities, and census designated places identified by the U.S. Census Bureau. Populated Place Areas are polygons containing population totals from the 2020 Census and Esri Updated Demographics.

United States Population: Vermont data was reported at 623,657.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 623,354.000 Person for 2016. United States Population: Vermont data is updated yearly, averaging 621,404.500 Person from Jun 2000 (Median) to 2017, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 626,210.000 Person in 2011 and a record low of 609,903.000 Person in 2000. United States Population: Vermont data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.G003: Population By State.

United States Population: Louisiana data was reported at 4,684,333.000 Person in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,686,157.000 Person for 2016. United States Population: Louisiana data is updated yearly, averaging 4,494,883.500 Person from Jun 2000 (Median) to 2017, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,686,157.000 Person in 2016 and a record low of 4,240,327.000 Person in 2006. United States Population: Louisiana data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.G003: Population By State.

About this dataset

Context

This list ranks the 50 states in the United States by Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) population, as estimated by the United States Census Bureau. It also highlights population changes in each states over the past five years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, including:

• 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2017-2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Variables / Data Columns

• Rank by Pacific Islander Population: This column displays the rank of states in the United States by their Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) population, using the most recent ACS data available.
• states: The states for which the rank is shown in the previous column.
• Pacific Islander Population: The Pacific Islander population of the states is shown in this column.
• % of Total states Population: This shows what percentage of the total states population identifies as Pacific Islander. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• % of Total U.S. Pacific Islander Population: This tells us how much of the entire United States Pacific Islander population lives in that states. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• 5 Year Rank Trend: TThis column displays the rank trend across the last 5 years.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

United States Population: All Ages data was reported at 325,719.000 Person th in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 323,406.000 Person th for 2016. United States Population: All Ages data is updated yearly, averaging 176,356.000 Person th from Jun 1900 (Median) to 2017, with 118 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 325,719.000 Person th in 2017 and a record low of 76,094.000 Person th in 1900. United States Population: All Ages data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G002: Population by Age. Series Remarks Population data for the years 1900 to 1949 exclude the population residing in Alaska and Hawaii. Population data for the years 1940 to 1979 cover the resident population plus Armed Forces overseas. Population data for all other years cover only the resident population.

FSM Populations by state collected from census data 1979 and 1990

Public Law 94-171, enacted in 1975, requires the Census Bureau to provide redistricting data in a format requested by state governments. Within one year following the 1990 decennial Census (by April 1, 1991), the Census Bureau provided the governor and legislature of each state with the population data needed to redraw legislative districts. This collection contains the same substantive and geographic variables as the original Public Law 94-171 files [see CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING, 1990 [UNITED STATES]: PUBLIC LAW (P.L.) 94-171 DATA (ICPSR 9516)] but with the population counts adjusted for undernumeration. Adjusted Public Law 94-171 counts are supplied for a sample of one-half of blocks in the United States and a complete selection of areas with 1,000 or more persons. Each state file provides data for the state and its subareas in the following order: state, county, voting district, county subdivision, place, and block. Additionally, complete summaries are provided for the following geographic areas: county subdivision, place, consolidated city, state portion of American Indian and Alaska Native area, and county portion of American Indian and Alaska Native area. Area characteristics such as land area, water area, latitude, and longitude are provided. Summary statistics are provided for all persons, for persons 18 years old and over, and for housing units in the geographic areas. Counts by race and by Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin are also recorded.

United States Population: California data was reported at 39,536,653.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 39,296,476.000 Person for 2016. United States Population: California data is updated yearly, averaging 36,771,017.500 Person from Jun 2000 (Median) to 2017, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 39,536,653.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 33,994,571.000 Person in 2000. United States Population: California data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G003: Population by State.

United States Population: New Mexico data was reported at 2,088,070.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,085,432.000 Person for 2016. United States Population: New Mexico data is updated yearly, averaging 1,998,217.000 Person from Jun 2000 (Median) to 2017, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,088,070.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 1,820,813.000 Person in 2000. United States Population: New Mexico data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.G003: Population By State.