Which states are in decline?

States experiencing population shrinkage, often due to migration out and higher deaths than births, consistently include West Virginia, Illinois, and New York, with recent data also showing losses for states like California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Oregon, though pandemic shifts are normalizing, with some areas seeing short-term dips while long-term trends favor the South and West.

Which states are losing the most people?

New York, California, and Illinois consistently lose the most residents in absolute numbers, with other significant losses in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, and West Virginia, primarily driven by people moving out (domestic migration), though high costs, regulations, and differing opportunities play big roles, according to recent Census Bureau data and analyses from sources like Pew and World Population Review https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/population-trends-return-to-pre-pandemic-norms.html, https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/a-third-of-states-lost-population-in-2021,.

What state lost the most people in 2025?

West Virginia stands as the only state to have consistently lost population every year since 2013. In 2025, the state expects to lose another 8,000 to 10,000 residents with no clear reversal in sight.

What is the fastest shrinking state?

While several states are losing population, New York consistently ranks as the fastest shrinking state by percentage, losing around 0.5% annually between 2022-2023, followed by other significant declines in Illinois, Louisiana, and Hawaii, though West Virginia also experienced decline in recent years, and projections suggest increasing losses for Illinois, Mississippi, and West Virginia in the coming decades. 

What is the #1 overpopulated state?

The #1 most populous state in the U.S. is California, consistently leading with nearly 40 million residents, followed by Texas and Florida, though it's important to distinguish between total population and population density, where New Jersey ranks highest.
 

Which US states are seeing the biggest population decline?

What is the #1 state to live in the US?

There's no single #1 state, as it depends on priorities, but Massachusetts often ranks top for overall livability, health, and education (WalletHub), while Utah leads for economy, infrastructure, and fiscal stability (U.S. News), and Idaho is praised for low cost of living and economic growth. Other top contenders include New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Minnesota, highlighting strengths like safety, income, and quality of life. 

Which state is expected to gain the most?

Over the next 25 years, Texas is projected to gain 8.6 million residents, the highest absolute increase across states. Like Texas, Florida and California are projected to lead nationally in population gains, adding 5.2 million and 3.1 million people, respectively. In comparison, 18 states are projected to shrink.

Which US state is the most empty?

The most "empty" U.S. state, meaning the least densely populated, is Alaska, with only about 1.3 people per square mile, followed by Wyoming (6.0), Montana (7.1), and North Dakota (11.0). This is due to Alaska's massive size, harsh climate, and challenging terrain, making it sparsely inhabited despite its vast wilderness, with population concentrated in cities like Anchorage.
 

Which state is being left the most?

California and New York consistently see the most people leaving in sheer numbers, driven by high costs and taxes, though New Jersey often tops lists for the highest percentage of outbound moves, also citing expenses and retirement. Other states like Illinois and Massachusetts also experience significant population loss, with residents often moving to more affordable areas, particularly in the South. 

What is the slowest growing state?

Population grew the slowest in Alaska (0.02%), Mississippi (0.03%), Michigan and New Mexico (both 0.04%), and Vermont (0.05%). Growth accelerated in 35 states, including nine of the 10 slowest-growing states.

How long will humans live in 2300?

Projections for life expectancy in 2300 vary, but generally suggest significant increases, with some estimates pointing to global averages in the high 90s or even over 100 years, while developed nations could see averages near 100 or even 102, driven by medical advancements, though scenarios range from around 87 to over 100 depending on fertility and mortality assumptions.
 

What states are seeing the most growth?

Fastest growing (and shrinking) U.S. states According to new Census Bureau data, Idaho, Montana, and Florida experienced the largest population growth among U.S. states from 2020 to 2022. Idaho's population grew by almost 5%, while Montana and Florida each saw a 3% increase.

What state has the least popularity?

Population in the states of the U.S. 2024

Wyoming had the lowest population with about 590,000 residents.

What is the fastest declining city in the United States?

Jackson, Mississippi is frequently cited as the fastest-shrinking major U.S. city by percentage, experiencing significant economic struggles leading to population loss, with other contenders for rapid decline including St. Louis, Missouri, Shreveport, Louisiana, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, often losing residents to suburbs or economic hardship. However, lists vary by time frame and definition (city vs. metro area), with some data showing New Orleans as a fast-shrinking large metro area and cities like Monterey Park, South San Francisco, and Sandy, Utah also seeing significant drops. 

Which US state is growing the fastest?

The fastest-growing state by percentage in recent years (2023-2024) has often been Florida, closely followed by Texas, Utah, and South Carolina, driven by strong domestic migration, warm climates, and favorable tax policies, though Utah has led in long-term growth due to high birth rates. While Florida led in percentage growth for the 2023-2024 period, Utah consistently ranks high over longer timeframes.
 

What is the #1 happiest state in the US?

Hawaii is consistently ranked as the #1 happiest state in the U.S. by various reports, including WalletHub's 2024 and 2025 studies, due to high life satisfaction, low depression rates, good physical health, long life expectancy, and low unemployment, despite being an expensive state. Maryland, Nebraska, and New Jersey often round out the top five happiest states in these rankings.
 

What is the most forgotten state in the USA?

Missouri is frequently cited as the most forgotten U.S. state, often appearing last in "name all 50 states" quizzes on sites like Sporcle, followed by states like Connecticut, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, due to its central location and overshadowed profile compared to coastal or larger states, despite being home to major cities and attractions like the Gateway Arch.
 

What's the best state to move to right now?

• Utah. #1 in Best States Overall. ...
• New Hampshire. #2 in Best States Overall. ...
• Idaho. #3 in Best States Overall. ...
• Minnesota. #4 in Best States Overall. ...
• Nebraska. #5 in Best States Overall. ...
• Florida. #6 in Best States Overall. ...
• Vermont. #7 in Best States Overall. ...
• South Dakota. #8 in Best States Overall.

What is the most empty US state?

The most "empty" U.S. state, meaning the least densely populated, is Alaska, with only about 1.3 people per square mile, followed by Wyoming (6.0), Montana (7.1), and North Dakota (11.0). This is due to Alaska's massive size, harsh climate, and challenging terrain, making it sparsely inhabited despite its vast wilderness, with population concentrated in cities like Anchorage.
 

What is the most relaxed state in the United States?

1. South Dakota. South Dakota is the most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 12.2% of people reporting stress monthly.

What is the least visited place in the USA?

The least visited places in the U.S. are often remote national parks and states like Alaska, West Virginia, North Dakota, and Gates of the Arctic National Park, which see very few visitors due to lack of accessibility, rugged terrain, or being perceived as "flyover" states, with Gates of the Arctic having under 12,000 visitors in 2024 because it has no roads or trails.
 

What state is everyone moving to in 2025?

The top state Americans packed up their belongings and moved to in 2025 was Oregon, according to a United Van Lines study. The Beaver State topped the list with the highest percentage of inbound migration (65%), moving up from the No. 8 spot in 2024.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as different studies rank states differently, but Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Jersey frequently appear at the top for quality of life, with Vermont leading in CNBC's metrics (health, environment, inclusion), Massachusetts in WalletHub's overall rankings (healthcare, education), and New Jersey praised for safety and health. States like Minnesota, Idaho, and Utah also consistently rank high, emphasizing factors like strong economies, environments, and community well-being. 

What state is hiring the most right now?

While different reports highlight different states based on specific metrics, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Minnesota consistently rank as top states with strong job markets and opportunities in late 2024/early 2025, with California showing the highest number of openings due to its large economy and specific industry needs. States in the "Battery Belt" like Michigan, Georgia, and the Carolinas are also seeing high demand in manufacturing.