US population trends by state: Winners and losers in 2026

Aerial view of downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

The U.S. population continues to grow, but that growth has slowed dramatically, with the year-over-year increase now below 1%. Some areas feel this shift more acutely than others, and a few states are experiencing population declines. A growing population can increase labor availability and expand the consumer base, supporting economic growth. At the same time, negative population growth may reduce pressure on housing and infrastructure, potentially improving affordability for current residents.

Originally published on smartasset.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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