Population Growth in the Southern U.S.

The southern United States is seeing rapid population growth, in contrast to other areas which aren’t experiencing the same trend.

Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that, for several years, every age group in the South has been growing faster than in any other region. The new data released analyzes which age demographics are contributing to this growth, covering various life stages: childhood (ages 0-17), young adulthood (ages 18-24), early work and family formation (ages 25-44), midlife (ages 45-64), and retirement (ages 65 and older).

“Changes in regional age patterns are happening for several key reasons,” noted Lauren Bowers, who leads the Census Bureau’s population projections. “The ongoing shift of baby boomers into retirement, along with migration and birth patterns, is reshaping the demographic landscape. The South is distinct because it’s seeing growth in age groups where other areas have either stagnated or declined, driven by strong migration trends over the last decade.”

From April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025, the South experienced a growth of 6.0%, nearly double the national rate of 3.1%. Remarkably, it was the only region to see population increases across all five age groups, surpassing other areas in each category.

According to Breitbart News, many Black Americans have been moving away from Democratic-controlled states like New York and California, seeking better job opportunities and housing affordability in the South.

Moreover, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a decline in America’s foreign-born population amid stricter immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, as reported by Breitbart News in November.

Stephen Camarota, from the Center for Immigration Studies, suggests that data indicates a decrease of about 101,000 foreign-born individuals aged 16 and older in September. Over the span of January to September, this demographic shrank by 2 million, with the overall foreign-born population—including those under 16—possibly declining by about 2.3 million.

The report also mentions a notable increase in the foreign-born population during the term of former President Joe Biden, with an increase of 7.4 million from early 2021 to January 2025.

Recent Census data highlighted that approximately 7.1 million people relocated to different states between 2023 and 2024. Strikingly, Florida welcomed the most new residents, gaining around 574,000, while Texas followed closely with about 556,000 newcomers.