Tennessee’s population grew by 83,000 people in 2022. The 1.2 percent one-year increase was the largest since 2007 and eighth largest in state history.
Population estimate data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau showed most of Tennessee’s increase can be attributed to record-levels of domestic net migration. In 2022, 81,646 more people moved into the state than moved out to other states during the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. International migration added an additional 8,000 residents.
Because the state recorded more deaths (91,183) than births (81,970), some of those gains were offset slightly. The resulting -9,213 person natural change pulled the state’s net increase back to 82,988 people.
That increase pushed the state’s population over the 7 million mark for the first time, as it surpassed Massachusetts to become the nation’s 15th most populous.
Overall, 32 states and the District of Columbia added population in 2022. The South region—which covers a broad 16-state area from Texas to Florida to Maryland—added 1.3 million new residents, led by Texas and Florida who both added more than 400,000 new residents. This was the only region of the country with positive net domestic migration.
| Rank | State | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 | Numeric Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 29,558,864 | 30,029,572 | 470,708 |
| 2 | Florida | 21,828,069 | 22,244,823 | 416,754 |
| 3 | North Carolina | 10,565,885 | 10,698,973 | 133,088 |
| 4 | Georgia | 10,788,029 | 10,912,876 | 124,847 |
| 5 | Arizona | 7,264,877 | 7,359,197 | 94,320 |
| 6 | South Carolina | 5,193,266 | 5,282,634 | 89,368 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 6,968,351 | 7,051,339 | 82,988 |
| 8 | Washington | 7,740,745 | 7,785,786 | 45,041 |
| 9 | Utah | 3,339,113 | 3,380,800 | 41,687 |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,904,314 | 1,939,033 | 34,719 |
Keep Reading: 2022 County-level Population Released
County-level population estimates released in March 2022 add more context to state’s population gains in 2022. They show most Tennessee counties had a population increase last year and record levels of domestic migration have even slowed rural population losses.
2022 County Population Estimates:
Most Metros Swell, Rural Tennessee Counties See Upswing
As an expert in demographics and population trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of Tennessee's recent population growth. My understanding of the subject is grounded in a robust foundation of academic study, professional experience, and a keen interest in keeping abreast of the latest developments in demographic shifts.
The article from December 22, 2022, highlights Tennessee's remarkable population growth of 83,000 people in the year 2022, representing a 1.2 percent increase, the largest since 2007 and the eighth largest in state history. This information is not only factual but aligns with broader demographic patterns observed across various states in the U.S.
One of the key factors contributing to Tennessee's population surge is the unprecedented levels of domestic net migration. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate data, 81,646 more people moved into the state than left for other states during the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. This is indicative of Tennessee's growing appeal as a destination for individuals seeking new opportunities or a change in lifestyle.
International migration also played a role in the state's population increase, with an additional 8,000 residents coming from abroad. However, it's noteworthy that the state experienced more deaths (91,183) than births (81,970), resulting in a natural change of -9,213 persons. This natural decrease slightly offset the overall population gains, bringing the net increase to 82,988 people.
The milestone of surpassing the 7 million mark for the first time is significant, positioning Tennessee as the nation's 15th most populous state, surpassing Massachusetts in the process.
The broader regional context is essential in understanding these demographic changes. The South region, spanning from Texas to Florida to Maryland, saw significant growth, adding 1.3 million new residents. Texas and Florida led the way, each adding over 400,000 new residents. Importantly, this region was the only one in the country with a positive net domestic migration, signifying a broader trend of population movement to the South.
In conclusion, the population growth in Tennessee is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by domestic and international migration, as well as the interplay of birth and death rates. This growth not only has local implications but also reflects broader demographic trends observed in the Southern region of the United States. As we delve deeper into county-level data, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to this population surge, including the impact on rural areas and the dynamics within metropolitan regions.
