As a nation, we are still moving around and growing, and Florida ranks high on the list. Florida ranks third following Texas and California in population growth according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The number one spot went to Texas with a gain of 529,000 people between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011. California was second at 438,000, and Florida followed with 256,000.
The United States as a whole saw its population increase by 2.8 million over the 15-month period, to 311.6 million. But interestingly enough, the U.S. population growth of 0.92 percent between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, is the lowest since the mid-1940s.
California holds the spot for the most populous state, with a July 1, 2011, population of 37.7 million. Rounding out the top five states were Texas (25.7 million), New York (19.5 million), Florida (19.1 million) and Illinois (12.9 million).
Did any one state shrink in numbers during this period? Three states did: Rhode Island lost 1,300 or -0.12 percent, Michigan lost 7,400 or -0.08 percent and Maine lost200 or -0.01 percent during April 1, 2010, through July 1, 2011.
Which state saw the biggest trend change? Nevada, between 2000 and 2010 it ranked only 27th in population growth but between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, it only increased by 0.8 percent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
