As of 2024, the demographic landscape of the United States showcases notable population distributions across its states, particularly among the Most Populated States in the US. The top 10 states highlight a rich diversity in geographic locations, economic activities, and cultural heritages. These states not only represent a significant portion of the nation’s total population but also play crucial roles in influencing the U.S. economy, culture, and political dynamics.
Leading the list is California, which continues to hold its title as the most populous state, closely followed by Texas and Florida, both of which have seen substantial growth in recent years. The remaining states in the top 10 include New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. Each of these states possesses distinct characteristics that contribute to their large populations, ranging from thriving economies and major metropolitan areas to important historical and cultural impacts.
This overview offers valuable insights into population statistics, growth patterns, and the rankings of these states, providing a glimpse into the current demographic trends that are shaping the United States.
Overview of the Top 10 Most Populated States in the US in 2024
| State | Population (2024) | Growth Rate | Population (2023) | Population (2020) | % Change (2020–2024) | % of US Population | Density (per sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 38,889,770 | -0.19% | 38,965,193 | 39,503,200 | -1.55% | 11.58% | 250 |
| Texas | 30,976,754 | 1.55% | 30,503,301 | 29,234,361 | 5.96% | 9.22% | 119 |
| Florida | 22,975,931 | 1.62% | 22,610,726 | 21,591,299 | 6.41% | 6.84% | 428 |
| New York | 19,469,232 | -0.52% | 19,571,216 | 20,104,710 | -3.16% | 5.80% | 413 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,951,275 | -0.08% | 12,961,683 | 12,995,477 | -0.34% | 3.86% | 289 |
| Illinois | 12,516,863 | -0.26% | 12,549,689 | 12,790,357 | -2.14% | 3.73% | 225 |
| Ohio | 11,812,173 | 0.22% | 11,785,935 | 11,798,292 | 0.12% | 3.52% | 289 |
| Georgia | 11,145,304 | 1.05% | 11,029,227 | 10,732,390 | 3.85% | 3.32% | 194 |
| North Carolina | 10,975,017 | 1.29% | 10,835,491 | 10,453,812 | 4.99% | 3.27% | 226 |
| Michigan | 10,041,241 | 0.04% | 10,037,261 | 10,070,627 | -0.29% | 2.99% | 178 |
1. California (Population: 38,889,770)
California is the most populous state in the U.S. with a population of 38,889,770 as of 2024. The state experienced a slight population decline, with a Growth Rate of -0.19%. In 2023, its population stood at 38,965,193, while in 2020, it was 39,503,200, showing a % Change (2020–2024) of -1.55%. California represents 11.58% of the U.S. population. It has a population density of 250 people per square mile.
California holds the first position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 38,889,770 |
| Growth Rate | -0.19% |
| Population in 2023 | 38,965,193 |
| Population in 2020 | 39,503,200 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | -1.55% |
| % of US Population | 11.58% |
| Density | 250 people per sq mi |
California is known for its diverse economy, which includes technology, entertainment, and agriculture. The state’s declining population trend is partly due to rising housing costs and internal migration to other states.
2. Texas (Population: 30,976,754)
Texas has seen significant growth, with a population of 30,976,754 in 2024 and a Growth Rate of 1.55%. Its population in 2023 was 30,503,301, and in 2020, it was 29,234,361, representing a % Change (2020–2024) of 5.96%. Texas accounts for 9.22% of the U.S. population and has a population density of 119 people per square mile.
Texas holds the second position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 30,976,754 |
| Growth Rate | 1.55% |
| Population in 2023 | 30,503,301 |
| Population in 2020 | 29,234,361 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | 5.96% |
| % of US Population | 9.22% |
| Density | 119 people per sq mi |
Texas is known for its booming energy sector, favorable business climate, and migration from other states. Major cities include Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
3. Florida (Population: 22,975,931)
Florida continues its rapid growth, reaching a population of 22,975,931 in 2024, with a Growth Rate of 1.62%. In 2023, the population was 22,610,726, while in 2020, it was 21,591,299. The % Change (2020–2024) is 6.41%, and the state makes up 6.84% of the U.S. population. Florida’s population density is 428 people per square mile.
Florida holds the third position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 22,975,931 |
| Growth Rate | 1.62% |
| Population in 2023 | 22,610,726 |
| Population in 2020 | 21,591,299 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | 6.41% |
| % of US Population | 6.84% |
| Density | 428 people per sq mi |
Florida is renowned for its favorable climate, low taxes, and a booming tourism industry. It attracts retirees and international immigrants.
4. New York (Population: 19,469,232)
New York has a population of 19,469,232 in 2024, showing a Growth Rate of -0.52%. In 2023, the population was 19,571,216, and in 2020, it was 20,104,710. The % Change (2020–2024) is -3.16%, and New York accounts for 5.80% of the U.S. population. The state has a population density of 413 people per square mile.
New York holds the fourth position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 19,469,232 |
| Growth Rate | -0.52% |
| Population in 2023 | 19,571,216 |
| Population in 2020 | 20,104,710 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | -3.16% |
| % of US Population | 5.80% |
| Density | 413 people per sq mi |
New York, while one of the most populous states, is seeing population declines, particularly in upstate regions, due to high living costs and outward migration.
5. Pennsylvania (Population: 12,951,275)
Pennsylvania’s population stands at 12,951,275 in 2024, with a Growth Rate of -0.08%. The population in 2023 was 12,961,683, and in 2020, it was 12,995,477, resulting in a % Change (2020–2024) of -0.34%. Pennsylvania contributes 3.86% to the U.S. population and has a population density of 289 people per square mile.
Pennsylvania holds the fifth position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 12,951,275 |
| Growth Rate | -0.08% |
| Population in 2023 | 12,961,683 |
| Population in 2020 | 12,995,477 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | -0.34% |
| % of US Population | 3.86% |
| Density | 289 people per sq mi |
Pennsylvania is a historically industrial state, experiencing slow population changes with its aging population and industrial decline in some regions, although cities like Philadelphia remain economic hubs.
6. Illinois (Population: 12,516,863)
Illinois has a 2024 population of 12,516,863, with a Growth Rate of -0.26%. The population was 12,549,689 in 2023 and 12,790,357 in 2020. The % Change (2020–2024) is -2.14%, and Illinois comprises 3.73% of the U.S. population. Its population density is 225 people per square mile.
Illinois holds the sixth position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 12,516,863 |
| Growth Rate | -0.26% |
| Population in 2023 | 12,549,689 |
| Population in 2020 | 12,790,357 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | -2.14% |
| % of US Population | 3.73% |
| Density | 225 people per sq mi |
Illinois has been experiencing population declines, especially in Chicago, due to high taxes and migration to other states, though it remains a significant economic center.
7. Ohio (Population: 11,812,173)
Ohio’s population in 2024 is 11,812,173, with a Growth Rate of 0.22%. In 2023, the population was 11,785,935, while in 2020, it was 11,798,292. The % Change (2020–2024) is 0.12%, and Ohio contributes 3.52% to the U.S. population. The state’s population density is 289 people per square mile. Ohio holds the seventh position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
Ohio also holds the tenth position in the list of “Most Densely Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 11,812,173 |
| Growth Rate | 0.22% |
| Population in 2023 | 11,785,935 |
| Population in 2020 | 11,798,292 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | 0.12% |
| % of US Population | 3.52% |
| Density | 289 people per sq mi |
Ohio is recognized for its diverse economy, strong manufacturing sector, and a central location that makes it a transportation hub.
8. Georgia (Population: 11,145,304)
Georgia’s population in 2024 is 11,145,304, with a Growth Rate of 1.05%. The population was 11,029,227 in 2023 and 10,732,390 in 2020. The % Change (2020–2024) is 3.85%, and Georgia accounts for 3.32% of the U.S. population. Its density is 194 people per square mile.
Georgia holds the eighth position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 11,145,304 |
| Growth Rate | 1.05% |
| Population in 2023 | 11,029,227 |
| Population in 2020 | 10,732,390 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | 3.85% |
| % of US Population | 3.32% |
| Density | 194 people per sq mi |
Georgia is known for its growing economy, diverse population, and strong job market, particularly in Atlanta, which serves as a major economic and cultural center.
9. North Carolina (Population: 10,975,017)
North Carolina has a population of 10,975,017 in 2024, with a Growth Rate of 1.29%. The population was 10,835,491 in 2023 and 10,453,812 in 2020. The % Change (2020–2024) is 4.99%, making up 3.27% of the U.S. population. Its density is 226 people per square mile.
North Carolina holds the ninth position in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 10,975,017 |
| Growth Rate | 1.29% |
| Population in 2023 | 10,835,491 |
| Population in 2020 | 10,453,812 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | 4.99% |
| % of US Population | 3.27% |
| Density | 226 people per sq mi |
North Carolina is emerging as a hub for research, technology, and education, particularly in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, which are experiencing rapid growth.
10. Michigan (Population: 10,041,241)
Michigan’s population in 2024 is 10,041,241, with a Growth Rate of 0.04%. The population was 10,037,261 in 2023 and 10,070,627 in 2020. The % Change (2020–2024) is -0.29%, and Michigan accounts for 2.99% of the U.S. population. The population density is 178 people per square mile.
Michigan is tenth in the list of “Most Populated States in the United States.”
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 10,041,241 |
| Growth Rate | 0.04% |
| Population in 2023 | 10,037,261 |
| Population in 2020 | 10,070,627 |
| % Change (2020–2024) | -0.29% |
| % of US Population | 2.99% |
| Density | 178 people per sq mi |
Michigan’s population growth is stagnant, with economic recovery in some regions following the decline of the automotive industry. Cities like Detroit are seeing a resurgence in innovation and urban development.
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