In this article, we will look into the 15 fastest growing states in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Fastest Growing States in the US.

Growth Trends Across the US

Population trends are reverting to pre-pandemic levels in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, annual deaths decreased in 2022 and migration patterns returned to pre-pandemic levels. These factors are the key drivers of the population growth in the US. Population in the country increased by 1.6 million people in 2022, expanding by 0.5%, to a total population of 334,914,895.

The South is the most populous region of the country, accounting for 87% of the growth in 2023. The region gained more than 1.4 million people, increasing the total population to 130,125,290. The growth in 2023 was driven by the South’s migration patterns, with an increase of 706,266 people via domestic migration, while international migration added nearly 500,000 to the total population in the region. On the other hand, the population surge in the West was slower than in 2022. The population in the region expanded by 137,299, compared to 157,480 people in 2022. Population in California, Oregon, and Hawaii continued to decline but at a modest pace as compared to 2022. The Northeast experienced a decline in 2023 but at a slower pace as compared to the decline in 2022 and 2021. The population levels plunged by 43,330 in the Northeast, compared to a 216,576 decline in 2022. This can be attributed to a significant decline in outmigration to other regions. New York and Pennsylvania experienced population loss in the region, but the decline was significantly lower, compared to 2022.

In 2023, more states experienced a population surge that has been observed since the start of the pandemic. A total of 42 states and the District of Columbia witnessed a population rise, an uptick from 31 states and the District of Columbia in 2022. These growth trends across the US states represent the national decline in deaths, an upsurge in international migration patterns, and a decrease in total domestic outmigration in some states.

Aging Population – Key Driver of the Healthcare Market

The growing population trend, driven by a decrease in annual deaths, is raising the aging population in the country. The increase in the aging population is one of the key growth drivers of the US healthcare market. According to a report by the McKinsey and Company, the healthcare market in the US reached $654 billion in 2021. The market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% and reach $790 billion in 2026.

Some of the key players in the US healthcare market include Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK).

To compile our list of the fastest growing states in the US, we utilized the US Census Bureau database of state-wise population change. We have ranked the states based on the 2020 to 2023 population change and have also listed their 2023 population in their description. Our list ranks the states in ascending order of their population change.

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15 Fastest Growing States in the US

15. Oklahoma

Change in Population (2020-2023): 2.4%

Oklahoma is ranked 15th on our list of the fastest growing states in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, the population in the state grew by 2.4% from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, Oklahoma reported a total population of 4,053,824.

14. Maine

Change in Population (2020-2023): 2.4%

Ranked 14th on our list, Maine reported a total population of 1,395,722 in 2023. The total population in the state has grown by 2.4% from 2020 levels.

13. Nevada

Change in Population (2020-2023): 2.9%

Nevada ranks 13th on our list. In 2023, the total population in Nevada reached 3,194,176. Nevada reported a population change of 2.9% from 2020 to 2023.

12. Georgia

Change in Population (2020-2023): 2.9%

Georgia is ranked 12th on our list of the fastest growing states in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, the population in the state grew by 2.9% from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, Georgia reported a total population of 11,029,227.

11. Tennessee

Change in Population (2020-2023): 3.1%

Tennessee is one of the fastest growing states in the US. In 2023, the state reported a population of 7,126,489. The total population in the state has grown by 3.1% in 2023 from 2020 levels.

10. South Dakota

Change in Population (2020-2023): 3.7%

South Dakota is ranked 10th on our list. The state reported a population change of 3.7% from 2020 to 2023. South Dakota has a total population of 919,318, as of 2023.

9. North Carolina

Change in Population (2020-2023): 3.8%

North Carolina is ranked among the fastest growing states in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, the population in the state grew by 3.8% from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, North Carolina reported a total population of 10,835,491.

8. Arizona

Change in Population (2020-2023): 3.8%

Ranked 8th on our list, Arizona reported a population of 7,431,344 in 2023. The state’s total population has grown by 3.8% from 2020 to 2023, as reported by the US Census Bureau.

7. Delaware

Change in Population (2020-2023): 4.2%

Delaware is one of the fastest fastest growing US states. In 2023, the state reported a total population of 1,031,890. The total population in the state has grown by 4.2% from 2020 levels.

6. Utah

Change in Population (2020-2023): 4.5%

Utah is ranked 6th on our list of the fastest growing states in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, the population in the state grew by 4.5% from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, Utah reported a total population of 3,417,473.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Fastest Growing States in the US.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Fastest Growing States in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.