Which States Grew Fastest; Which States Lost Population

The United States Census Bureau announced population data this week that paints a picture of population growth around the country. Headlining the report is Idaho's accomplishment as the fastest growing state, in percentage, from July 2016 to July 207. Idaho's population increased 2.2 percent to 1.7 million, according to the post. "Following Idaho for the largest percentage increases in population were: Nevada (2.0 percent), Utah (1.9 percent), Washington (1.7 percent), and Florida along with Arizona (1.6 percent)."

According to the post, domestic migration drove the population growth in Idaho and Nevada. In Utah, births over deaths drove the state's population growth.

On the flip side of the coin, eight states lost population over the same period. "Illinois had the largest numeric decline, losing 33,703 people (this was a relatively small percentage change compared to its population of 12.8 million). Wyoming had the largest percentage decline (1.0 percent). Three states that had been losing population in the previous year, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont, saw slight increases."