December 28, 2004

CALIFORNIA REMAINED THE MOST POPULOUS STATE IN 2004

According to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the U.S. grew by 2.9 million people between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2004. Nearly 294 million people reside in the nation, and the 10 most populous states, led by California with 35.9 million residents, account for 54 percent of the country's population.

Five of the 10 fastest-growing states between 2003 and 2004 are in the West. With a growth rate of 4.1 percent, Nevada ranked first among states for the 18th consecutive year. Other western states in the top 10 include Arizona (second), Idaho (fourth), Utah (seventh), and New Mexico (10th). Overall, the West recorded the fastest rate of growth at 1.5 percent

Posted by gandlwoods at December 28, 2004 08:30 AM