Geographic changes in state population growth

The population of the United States continues to increase, albeit at a slower pace than in the past. Geographically, the states of the South and West still are experiencing larger relative gains than those in the Northeast and Midwest, although some changes in the decennial growth pattern have recently emerged. California's population increments have steadily diminished since 1990, and last year Florida's relative gain was comparatively small. Moreover, New York recorded a decline in the number of its residents. In contrast, the count of persons living in Texas appears to be accelerating. Together, the population of these four states comprises nearly one-third of the nation's total and, therefore, the United States' future will be heavily influenced by the changes in their growth patterns.