Population growth down, Carolinas surge, state growth diverges — and more
Demographic Digest for February 6, 2026
U.S. population growth slows sharply as immigration declines
The U.S. population grew by just 0.5 % (about 1.8 million people) from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025 — the slowest growth since the early COVID-19 period — as net international migration fell from 2.7 mn to 1.3 mn. Births and deaths remained relatively stable, so the sharp drop in immigration is the key factor behind the slowdown.
Why it matters: Immigration has been a major prop for U.S. population growth and labor supply; its rapid decline means fewer workers, slower consumer demand, and tighter labor markets — with implications for economic growth, housing demand, and fiscal support systems.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/population-growth-slows.html
Domestic population hotspots: the Carolinas surge
North Carolina and South Carolina emerged as fastest-growing U.S. states in the latest domestic migration data. North Carolina gained roughly 84,000 residents from other states, while South Carolina posted the highest growth rate nationally at 1.5 %. Affordability, lifestyle options, and remote-work flexibility are cited as drivers.
Why it matters: As foreign immigration slows, domestic migration increasingly shapes regional demographics and labor pools, reshaping political and economic influence ahead of the 2030 census.
Source: Associated Press — https://apnews.com/article/bb9209a3620dafb8c7d248da59d9cd12
State growth diverges amid national slowdown
While the U.S. overall slowed to 0.5 % growth, individual states tell uneven stories. Washington state grew at 0.9 %, outpacing the national average as it attracted both domestic and international movers. Pennsylvania’s growth was modest but positive (+0.1 %), buoyed in part by migration, even as aging and slow birth trends persist.
Why it matters: Regional variation underscores how local economies with strong job markets and amenities can buck broader demographic slowdowns — but the national context of slower immigration and aging still constrains long-run labor supply everywhere.
Sources: Axios (Washington) — https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/02/washington-state-population-growth-us-census-2025-8-million ; Axios (Pennsylvania) — https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/05/pennsylvanias-population-inches-up-amid-national-slowdown
Census testing fight: citizenship question returns to the spotlight
The Trump administration announced plans to include a citizenship question in a 2030 Census field test (after a similar attempt was blocked for 2020), sparking fears of under-counts in diverse and hard-to-reach communities. Critics warn this could skew apportionment and federal funding.
Why it matters: Who gets counted matters for representation, resource flows, and migration policy. Undercounting immigrants or hard-to-reach populations could distort demographic data at a time when growth is already slowing.
Source: Axios — https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/trump-census-citizenship-question-test-survey
Stamford school enrollment drop reflects immigration and mobility trends
Stamford, Connecticut, saw a sharp enrollment decline overall, with a 60 % drop in immigrant “New Arrivals” program students compared to last year. Districts have cut educators amid the shift.
Why it matters: School rolls are real-time indicators of population change. Fewer immigrant families and less mobility among young households forecast downward pressure on local labor markets, housing demand, and municipal finances.
Source: Stamford Advocate — https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/education/article/stamford-schools-student-enrollment-drop-immigrant-21324503.php
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