The latest data from the Census Bureau paints a vivid picture of America’s demographic transformation, where U.S.-born citizens now play a minor supporting role in population growth. In 2024, the nation’s population grew by 1.0%, reaching 340.1 million—a growth rate reminiscent of the early 2000s. But let’s not mistake this surge for a baby boom. Of the 3.3 million net increase, a staggering 2.8 million came from international migration. Natural population growth, it seems, has taken a backseat, leaving migration to carry the torch. At this rate, “United States of Migration” might not be such a far-fetched moniker.
The decline in natural population growth isn’t exactly shocking, but the contrast is becoming harder to ignore. Back in 2020, COVID-era restrictions stalled migration, leading to a brief uptick in birth rates. Yet, the pandemic’s soaring death toll quickly erased any gains. Fast forward to today, and the trend is crystal clear: migration is the dominant force shaping America’s population. Birth rates among U.S.-born citizens, meanwhile, continue their steady decline, as if signaling surrender in the face of this demographic overhaul.
Politically, these shifts come with hefty implications. The voting-age population swelled by 78.5% in just one year, reaching 267 million. While immigrants themselves can’t vote in federal elections, their U.S.-born children certainly can—and will. For those reluctant to integrate, this could lead to a noticeable impact on future voting patterns. Not one to sidestep controversy, President Trump has promised to tackle the issue head-on, vowing to end birthright citizenship on his first day back in office. Unsurprisingly, the debate over immigration continues to dominate the national stage.
The South, on the other hand, is thriving amid these changes. States like Texas and Florida are leading the pack in population growth, with Texas adding more than half a million new residents in 2024 alone. Migration, both international and domestic, has been a driving factor, along with natural increases. Meanwhile, the West isn’t faring as well, shedding 170,000 residents to domestic migration. However, international migration and a modest natural increase have kept the region’s population growth in positive territory, albeit barely. The exodus from high-tax states like California is fueling the rise of the South, which is cementing its position as a political and economic powerhouse.
What emerges is a tale of two Americas. On one hand, the South is booming, buoyed by migration and natural growth, while states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia face population declines as deaths outpace births. The juxtaposition of declining U.S.-born birth rates and a steady influx of immigrants signals a dramatic shift in the nation’s demographic identity. Whether these trends unify or further polarize the country remains to be seen, but the message is loud and clear: migration is reshaping America, and its impact will likely define the nation for generations to come.
Holy sh*t. American births account for just 16% of U.S. population growth in 2024. pic.twitter.com/gzz1wVholM
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 25, 2024
