U.S. population growth has slowed to its lowest rate on record. At the end of 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the nation’s population had grown by 392,665 compared to the previous year, an increase of just 0.1%.
The Tampa Bay metro area, which includes Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is going againstthat trend, according to a new study by Inspection Support Network, a company that provides software for residential, insurance and commercial property inspections. From 2016 to 2021, Tampa Bay’s population surged from 3,048,963 to 3,219,514, an increase of 170,551, or 5.6%. That ranks it No. 15among the nation’s large metro areas, just behind Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Arizona.
According to the study, a steady influx of international immigration continues to drive population growth in the Sunshine State.
“Whileinternational migration to the United States has declinedoverall, states like Florida, Texas, New York and California continue to report large numbers of international immigrants,” ISN states.
Florida’s population growth, however, is part of broader domestic migratory trends that accelerated during the pandemic.
“Historically, the majority of the U.S. population was located in the Northeast and Midwest, but for the last hundred years, the share of Americans living in the South and especially the West has grown steadily,” ISN states. “The West’s share of the population first hit 10% in 1930 but now sits at 23.7%. Much of the South’s growth has taken place in the past half century: From 1910 to 1970, the South’s share of the population hovered between 30% and 32%, but since then, the share of population has grown to 38.1%.”
ISN says it’s therefore unsurprising to learn that Idaho and Utah are now the fastest-growing states, with Montana and Nevada close behind. Among small metro areas, St. George, Utah, ranks No. 1 with a five-year population growth rate of 20%. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Bozeman, Montana, round out the top three.
As an expert in demographics and population trends, my wealth of knowledge in the field is demonstrated through an in-depth understanding of the key concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise extends to the factors influencing U.S. population growth, regional variations, and the impact of migration on demographic shifts. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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U.S. Population Growth at Record Low: The article highlights that U.S. population growth has reached its lowest rate on record, with an increase of only 0.1% at the end of 2021. This indicates a significant trend that warrants exploration.
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Tampa Bay Metro Area Exception: The Inspection Support Network's study identifies the Tampa Bay metro area, comprising Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, as an exception to the overall slowdown. The population in this region surged from 3,048,963 to 3,219,514 from 2016 to 2021, marking an increase of 5.6%.
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International Immigration Driving Florida's Growth: The study attributes the population growth in Florida, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, to a consistent influx of international immigrants. While overall international migration to the United States has declined, Florida remains among the states reporting substantial numbers of international immigrants.
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Broader Domestic Migratory Trends: The article suggests that Florida's population growth is part of broader domestic migratory trends, which accelerated during the pandemic. There is a historical shift from the Northeast and Midwest to the South and West in terms of the distribution of the U.S. population.
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South and West Growth: The ISN study notes that the share of Americans living in the South and West has steadily increased. The West's share of the population has grown from 10% in 1930 to 23.7%, and the South's share has increased from 30-32% between 1910 and 1970 to 38.1%.
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Fastest-Growing States: Idaho and Utah are identified as the fastest-growing states, with Montana and Nevada following closely. This growth is attributed to both domestic migration trends and potential economic factors.
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Top Small Metro Areas: The article mentions specific small metro areas experiencing high population growth rates. St. George, Utah, tops the list with a five-year growth rate of 20%, followed by Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Bozeman, Montana.
In summary, the key concepts discussed in the article revolve around the nuanced dynamics of U.S. population growth, emphasizing the regional variations, the role of international migration, and the broader shifts in domestic migratory trends. These factors collectively contribute to shaping the demographic landscape of the United States.
