Americans can vote by mail, vote in person and even vote with their feet. Indeed, policies have consequences.
The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau tells an incredible, and familiar story: Americans are fleeing high tax, high regulation states for those that offer better opportunity for their families.
It's playing out on the national level, and the state level. Idaho has now broken through the two million population marker. Nine of the top ten states are considered either moderate (Nevada, North Carolina) or conservative in their governance.
Let's first examine the states with the highest percentage growth.
Population 2023 | Population 2024 | Growth % | |
Florida | 22,904,868 | 23,372,215 | 2.0% |
Texas | 30,727,890 | 31,290,831 | 1.8% |
Utah | 3,443,222 | 3,503,613 | 1.8% |
South Carolina | 5,387,830 | 5,478,831 | 1.7% |
Nevada | 3,105,595 | 3,267,467 | 1.7% |
Idaho | 1,971,122 | 2,001,619 | 1.5% |
North Carolina | 10,881,189 | 11,046,024 | 1.5% |
Delaware | 1,036,423 | 1,051,917 | 1.5% |
Arizona | 7,473,027 | 7,582,384 | 1.5% |
The Census Bureau data shows every state had population growth, but some states were clearly attracting new residents, while others were simply treading water.
The 2024 data, when compared to 2020, is even more stark. In fact, Idaho is growing nearly three times faster than Washington state. Montana's growth greatly exceeds Washington's.
Assuming the numbers hold, the population movement is going to have a monumental impact on the 2030 Census, the reallocation of seats in the House of Representatives, allocations in the Electoral College, and the future of the nation.
The latest data shows Idaho, Utah and Arizona each gain a seat in the House and therefore, the electoral college. Florida & Texas would gain four seats each. California would lose four. New York could lose two.
