Fastest Growing States Population 2024: The Complete Ranking and Analysis
South Carolina leads America with 4.2% population growth since 2020, adding over 220,000 new residents. Texas gained the most people in absolute numbers—a staggering 470,000 annually. Meanwhile, 13 states are actually losing population. This great reshuffling is remaking America's economic and political map. Here are the states with the fastest growing population and what's driving this historic migration.
Quick Answer: Which States Have the Fastest Growing Population?
Top 10 Fastest Growing States by Percentage (2020-2024)
- 1. South Carolina: +4.2% (+220,851 people)
- 2. Florida: +3.3% (+750,723 people)
- 3. Texas: +3.1% (+1,878,298 people)
- 4. North Carolina: +3.0% (+315,194 people)
- 5. Georgia: +2.9% (+312,567 people)
- 6. Tennessee: +2.8% (+193,097 people)
- 7. Arizona: +2.8% (+202,485 people)
- 8. Nevada: +2.7% (+83,571 people)
- 9. Idaho: +2.6% (+47,128 people)
- 10. Utah: +2.5% (+87,032 people)
Complete Ranking: States With the Fastest Growing Population
| Rank | State | Growth % | People Added | Daily Growth | 2024 Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina | +4.2% | +220,851 | +151 | 5,373,555 |
| 2 | Florida | +3.3% | +750,723 | +514 | 22,610,726 |
| 3 | Texas | +3.1% | +1,878,298 | +1,287 | 30,503,301 |
| 4 | North Carolina | +3.0% | +315,194 | +216 | 10,835,491 |
| 5 | Georgia | +2.9% | +312,567 | +214 | 11,029,227 |
| 6 | Tennessee | +2.8% | +193,097 | +132 | 7,126,489 |
| 7 | Arizona | +2.8% | +202,485 | +139 | 7,431,344 |
| 8 | Nevada | +2.7% | +83,571 | +57 | 3,194,176 |
| 9 | Idaho | +2.6% | +47,128 | +32 | 1,964,726 |
| 10 | Utah | +2.5% | +87,032 | +60 | 3,417,734 |
Texas: The Absolute Growth Champion
While South Carolina wins on percentage growth, Texas dominates in absolute numbers. The Lone Star State gained 1.88 million people since 2020—equivalent to adding the entire population of West Virginia. This makes Texas the undisputed champion of American population growth.
Texas Growth by the Numbers
Daily Population Gain: +1,287 people
That's like adding a new small town every single day
Annual Growth: +470,000 people
Equivalent to adding Atlanta's entire population yearly
4-Year Growth: +1.88 million
More than the entire state of Nebraska
Source: 70% Domestic Migration
Americans fleeing expensive states for Texas opportunities
The Great Southern Migration: Why the South Dominates Growth
Six of the top 10 fastest growing states are in the South. This represents the largest internal migration in American history since World War II. The "Great Southern Migration" is driven by powerful economic and lifestyle factors.
Economic Opportunities
- No state income tax: Florida, Tennessee, Texas save residents thousands annually
- Business relocations: Corporate headquarters fleeing expensive states
- Job creation: Manufacturing, tech, finance expanding in the South
- Lower operating costs: Businesses can pay more while spending less
Housing Affordability
Despite rapid growth, Southern states remain more affordable than coastal alternatives:
- South Carolina: Median home $315,000 vs. $720,000 in California
- North Carolina: $425,000 vs. $850,000 in New York metro
- Tennessee: $385,000 vs. $650,000 in Massachusetts
Climate and Lifestyle
The "Sun Belt advantage" includes year-round outdoor activities, lower heating costs, and lifestyle appeal to retirees and remote workers seeking better weather and more space.
Mountain West Boom: The New Growth Frontier
Idaho, Utah, and Nevada represent the "Mountain West Boom"—states experiencing explosive growth as Americans seek outdoor lifestyles, lower costs, and economic opportunity away from crowded coasts.
Idaho: The Hidden Gem
Idaho's 2.6% growth rate might seem modest, but for a small state, it's transformational. Boise has become a tech hub as California companies relocate operations. The state offers:
- No state income tax on wages
- Abundant outdoor recreation
- Growing tech sector ("Silicon Slopes")
- Small-town community feel
Nevada: Beyond Las Vegas
Nevada's growth extends beyond tourism. The state attracts businesses with no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and proximity to California markets without California regulations.
The Declining States: America's Losers
While growth states boom, 13 states actually lost population since 2020. This divergence creates "winner and loser" states with dramatically different futures.
States Losing Population (2020-2024)
- • New York: -2.1% (-412,898 people)
- • California: -1.8% (-691,557 people)
- • Illinois: -1.7% (-215,271 people)
- • Louisiana: -1.6% (-73,394 people)
- • West Virginia: -1.5% (-26,836 people)
- • Hawaii: -1.4% (-19,765 people)
- • Pennsylvania: -0.9% (-116,950 people)
- • Mississippi: -0.8% (-23,526 people)
- • Maine: -0.7% (-9,768 people)
- • Vermont: -0.6% (-3,870 people)
- • Connecticut: -0.5% (-18,089 people)
- • Massachusetts: -0.4% (-27,838 people)
- • Oregon: -0.1% (-4,235 people)
What Drives the Fastest Growing State Population?
1. Tax Policy
Seven of the top 10 fastest growing states have no state income tax or very low rates. This isn't coincidence—tax policy drives business and individual location decisions.
2. Business Climate
Growing states consistently rank high in business-friendly policies:
- Minimal regulation and red tape
- Right-to-work laws
- Pro-development zoning policies
- Infrastructure investment
3. Housing Supply
Fast-growing states allow housing construction while declining states restrict it. Texas issues 300,000+ building permits annually. California, despite higher demand, issues only 120,000.
4. Geographic Advantages
Many growing states have natural advantages:
- Available land for expansion
- Favorable climate
- Central location for logistics
- Natural resources (energy in Texas, minerals in Nevada)
Migration Patterns: Who's Moving Where
The California Exodus
California lost 691,557 people since 2020, with most heading to:
- Texas: +68,000 ex-Californians annually
- Arizona: +45,000 annually
- Nevada: +32,000 annually
- Idaho: +18,000 annually
The New York Flight
New York's exodus targets different states:
- Florida: +63,000 ex-New Yorkers annually
- North Carolina: +23,000 annually
- South Carolina: +18,000 annually
- Tennessee: +15,000 annually
International Immigration
Growing states also attract international immigrants:
- Florida: +95,000 international immigrants annually
- Texas: +134,000 annually
- Georgia: +28,000 annually
- North Carolina: +24,000 annually
Economic Impact of Rapid Population Growth
GDP Growth Acceleration
The 10 fastest growing states averaged 3.2% GDP growth annually, compared to 1.8% for declining states. Population growth drives economic expansion through:
- Increased consumer spending
- Housing and construction booms
- Business expansion to serve growing markets
- Tax base expansion
Real Estate Booms
Rapid population growth creates intense housing demand:
- Idaho: Home prices up 89% since 2020
- Arizona: Up 67% since 2020
- Florida: Up 78% since 2020
- Texas: Up 45% since 2020 (still most affordable)
Labor Market Dynamics
Growing states have tight labor markets with rising wages but also worker shortages in key sectors. Construction, healthcare, and hospitality struggle to keep up with growth.
Challenges of Rapid Population Growth
Infrastructure Strain
Fast-growing states struggle to build infrastructure quickly enough:
- Traffic congestion: Austin, Phoenix, Charlotte gridlock
- School overcrowding: Florida needs 200+ new schools by 2030
- Water scarcity: Arizona, Nevada, Utah face supply challenges
- Utility capacity: Texas grid struggles with peak demand
Affordability Crisis
Rapid growth can price out existing residents. Native Idahoans and Nevadans increasingly can't afford homes in their own states as California migrants drive up prices.
Environmental Pressures
Growth creates environmental challenges:
- Air quality deterioration in Phoenix and Salt Lake City
- Water table depletion in Texas and Arizona
- Loss of agricultural and natural land to development
- Increased wildfire risks as development spreads
Remote Work Revolution Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated migration to growing states as remote work enabled location flexibility. This "Zoom Boom" particularly benefited:
Remote Work Migration Winners
- • Idaho: 142% increase in remote workers since 2020
- • South Carolina: 89% increase in remote workers
- • Tennessee: 76% increase in remote workers
- • Arizona: 71% increase in remote workers
- • Nevada: 68% increase in remote workers
These remote workers bring high salaries from expensive metro areas while paying lower costs in growing states, creating local economic booms but also pricing pressures.
Political Implications of Population Shifts
Congressional Reapportionment
Population growth translates directly into political power through congressional representation:
- Texas: Gained 2 House seats in 2020, likely gaining 2-3 more in 2030
- Florida: Gained 1 seat, likely gaining 2 more
- North Carolina: Gained 1 seat, likely gaining 1 more
- Meanwhile: New York, Illinois lost seats and will lose more
Electoral College Impact
Growing states are gaining electoral votes while declining states lose influence in presidential elections. The political center of gravity is shifting south and west.
Future Projections: Will Growth Continue?
Demographic Momentum
Most fast-growing states have favorable demographics for continued growth:
- Young populations with high birth rates
- Continued in-migration from expensive states
- International immigration attraction
- Economic diversification reducing boom-bust cycles
Potential Growth Constraints
However, several factors could slow growth:
- Rising housing costs pricing out newcomers
- Infrastructure capacity limits
- Water and environmental constraints
- Political backlash against rapid change
2030 Growth Projections
- • Texas: Will likely reach 33 million people (+2.5 million)
- • Florida: Will likely reach 25 million people (+2.4 million)
- • North Carolina: Will likely reach 12 million people (+1.2 million)
- • Georgia: Will likely reach 12.5 million people (+1.5 million)
- • Arizona: Will likely reach 8.5 million people (+1.1 million)
Investment and Business Opportunities
Real Estate Investment
Fast-growing states offer investment opportunities but require careful analysis:
- Best for appreciation: High-growth suburban areas
- Best for cash flow: Growing mid-sized cities
- Best for development: States with pro-growth policies
Business Expansion
Companies should consider demographic trends when planning expansion:
- Consumer services see immediate demand in growing markets
- Construction and trades face massive opportunities
- Healthcare and education sectors critical in growing areas
The Bottom Line: America's New Geography
The fastest growing states are reshaping America's economic and political map. This isn't temporary—it's a fundamental realignment driven by:
- Economic opportunity and lower costs
- Pro-growth policies and business climates
- Lifestyle preferences and climate advantages
- Remote work enabling location flexibility
- Demographic momentum from young populations
Key Takeaways: Fastest Growing States Population
- • South Carolina leads percentage growth at +4.2% since 2020
- • Texas dominates absolute growth with +1.88 million people
- • Southern states dominate with 6 of top 10 growth rates
- • Tax policy matters - low-tax states consistently grow faster
- • Growth creates challenges - infrastructure, affordability, environment
Understanding population growth patterns is crucial for predicting economic trends, real estate markets, and political developments. The states with fastest growing population will likely continue gaining influence while declining states face difficult adjustments. This great American migration is far from over—it's reshaping the nation's future.