The 10 Fastest Growing States In America For 2023


We looked at changes in population since 2010 to determine which American states everyone wants to live in.

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Fastest Growing States In America Map

Feeling a little…crowded? Late to work more often? Sick of the long lines at the grocery store? Well then you might live in a part of America that’s getting too crowded.
The population of the United States increased by more than 2 million people last year. Natural growth – meaning people being born versus people dying – accounted for most of the population increase in America, while only a small part of our nation’s growth was due to immigration.

Across individual states, population growth was far from even. Some states are growing fast and some states are actually shrinking. And it’s regional, too. While populations in the South and West are growing, the Northeast and Midwest are not. Everyone thinks that they want to live in California. What with the beautiful beaches, weather, and people.

BUT, and there’s always a but, no one thinks of all the negatives when they dream of California. There are too many people already there, it’s insanely expensive, and the weather doesn’t actually impact your happiness all that much.

The result is that California places as the 29th fastest growing state in the country from 2017-2021, the most recent year for which data is available.

Here’s a look at the actual 10 fastest growing states in the Union for 2023.

The 10 Fastest Growing States In The US For 2023

  1. Idaho
  2. Utah
  3. Texas
  4. Nevada
  5. Florida
  6. North Dakota
  7. Colorado
  8. Washington
  9. Arizona
  10. South Carolina

In order to determine the fastest growing states, we simply had to measure the populations of each state from 2010 until now. As we’ll see, some of these states might be surprisingly quickly growing, and some that you think are getting way too overcrowded actually aren’t growing that much at all. For a full chart of every state, hop to the bottom.

What’s the fastest growing state in America for 2023? Ahh, glorious North Dakota. Home to the most recent explosion of black gold since Texas (For the uninitiated, that’s a reference to the oil and natural gas found in North Dakota over the past several years with the advent of fracking). It has grown over 12% since 2010 to beat out Texas for the top spot.

But let’s say you’re not into long-term growth, instead, you want instant gratification. Who tops the chart then? Why that would be Florida, with a growth rate of over 2% in the most recent year — the only state to break that threshold.

So get ready to sit in traffic and prepare to be late for your important function as we bring you America’s fastest growing states. Or feel free to take a detour to the safest or best states in the country.

Or if you’re not moving an inch, check out:

Scatter Graph Of The Fastest Growing States For 2023

The 10 Fastest Growing States In America For 2023

1. Idaho

Next up on our expanding expanse takes us to Idaho. Idaho? Yes, Idaho. Here in Idaho, the population has grown a very rapid 21.22% since 2010. But the people in Idaho will tell you – Idaho’s closed.

Now, let’s compare Idaho’s growth rate to that of America’s slowest growing state, West Virginia. Actually, West Virginia is going backwards. The Mountain State has lost 1% of its state population in the same time frame. To put THAT into perspective, the next slowest growing state is Vermont, which has lost .25% of its population. So West Virginia is by far the state that’s losing the most people. West Virginia is the only state where more people died than were born AND is the only state where more people moved away than moved to it. West Virginia has one of the oldest populations of any state, has the highest death rate and one of the lowest birth rates in the country.

So no wonder the population’s shrinking.

Back to Idaho – it’s the opposite here. Idaho has a relatively high birth rate, and a third of its new residents moved TO the Potato State. Another interesting note: Idaho’s population growth has coincided with a big decline in unemployment, too. Not sure what types of jobs you’d do in Idaho, but there are plenty of em.

Sorry Idaho! Secret’s out!

Population: 1,904,314
Rank Last Year: 2 (Up 1)
Population 2010: 1,571,010
Absolute Change: 333,304
Percent Change: 21.2%
More On Idaho: Photos | Rent

Idaho|Id, ID

2. Utah

One more Western state as we enter the confines of the always growing state of Utah.

California rejects? No. Mormons.

Utah is growing like a weed. It’s the fastest growing state over the last 5 years, where the population has grown nearly three times the national average. Unlike most fast-growing states, the majority of Utah’s population increase wasn’t because people moved there. It’s due to natural growth. That means babies. Lots and lots of babies. Utah has the largest average family size in the country, and coincidentally, the highest Mormon population of all.

But is it a stereotype that Mormons have a lot of babies. No, it’s true. Mormons make up nearly two-thirds of the state’s population, and the Mormon population typically has 3.4 kids at home, while the average American family has 2.1 kids at home.

Utah is also a very healthy state. So when you have the highest birth rate and the lowest death rate of any other state, you’re gonna grow, just organically.

Population: 3,339,113
Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 1)
Population 2010: 2,775,326
Absolute Change: 563,787
Percent Change: 20.3%
More On Utah: Photos | Rent

Utah|Ut, UT

3. Texas

Hee haw. Time to tussle in the great state of Texas. Here, the population has grown 17.09% which is just massive. But it’s a big state, they can handle it, because everything’s big in Texas, right? It makes sense considering that 5 of the nation’s 15 fastest growing cities are all in Texas.

But why? Well tell you. Blue collar Jobs. Oil. Cheap rent. Cheap land. Low taxes. Diversity. Family values. Good weather. There’s no attitude, and most people are friendly. The rules are less strict here, and well, once you’re a Texan, you stick around, as they say.

It’s also a major destination of our growing Hispanic community, which is growing faster than any other race – although somewhat slower of late. In case you didn’t know, the Hispanic population isn’t growing as fast as it once was. Of course, all of this is putting a strain on Texas’ infrastructure. Roads are clogged, schools are overcrowded, and, well they’re even running out of tacos.

But today, more and more people are putting GTT on their doors as they’re heading to the Lone Star State for good. That’s Gone To Texas.

Population: 29,558,864
Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
Population 2010: 25,244,310
Absolute Change: 4,314,554
Percent Change: 17.1%
More On Texas: Photos | Rent

Texas|Tx, TX

4. Nevada

Nevada’s population has grown at a very high clip of 16.39%. Also partly due to — let’s say it together — California rejects. Nevada grew by 0.009970118% last year alone, so its population’s surging. If we only measured very recent population growth numbers, Nevada would be towards the top.

Despite Nevada’s booming population, it’s economy has shrunk though. It’s entertainment, arts and recreational sectors have gone down, and that’s bad, since Nevada relies on those things the most. But hospitals and schools are opening up at a very fast rate here. Nevada is also towards the top of the states in today’s video in terms of international growth. The desert has become an oasis for both immigrants and younger progressives who want stuff like legal green stuff and liberal politics. It’s also one of the most diverse states, too, a topic we covered not too long ago.

Now, there’s still only 3 million people here, and there’s a lot of room to expand, so you can bet, Nevada is definitely open for business.

Population: 3,146,402
Rank Last Year: 5 (Up 1)
Population 2010: 2,703,284
Absolute Change: 443,118
Percent Change: 16.4%
More On Nevada: Photos | Rent

Nevada|Nv, NV

5. Florida

We are heading east for the first time in a long time. This time, we go to the always talked about state of Florida, where the population has grown 15.8%. In 2014, Florida overtook New York as the third most populous state in the country.

Like many of the fastest-growing states, Florida’s rapid population growth was largely due to migration. About 9 in every 10 new Floridians either moved to the state from elsewhere in the United States or from another country. More people move from New York to Florida than any other state.

Of course, there are many many many reasons why Florida is such a popular destination for Americans to move to. It’s hot – too hot actually – taxes are very favorable, there’s a ton to do, and the economy’s great.

Population: 21,828,069
Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 3)
Population 2010: 18,849,098
Absolute Change: 2,978,971
Percent Change: 15.8%
More On Florida: Photos | Rent

Florida|Fl, FL

6. North Dakota

Where is our sixth fastest growing state in America? North Dakota. What in tarnation? North Dakota’s population has surged nearly 15.33% since the turn of the last decade, which is far and above everyone else. When I was a kid growing up, my grandpa Lou used to tell me I was growing so fast, he’d have to put a brick on my head.

North Dakota needs a brick on their head.

Most of or part of that reason has been the huge uptick in the number of blue collar jobs here. Particularly, the oil and natural gas boom. People have come from all over to enjoy amazing pay, low cost of living and a sense of purpose. Then, when the gig is up, they stick around and enjoy the state’s freedoms like legal gambling. Because of all the drilling profits, the state picks up the tab for a lot of stuff so taxes are low. And college kids who graduate around these parts are actually not fleeing North Dakota like they used to. So, now it’s cool to live in North Dakota?

Now there’s still only 777,934 people here, which is basically the size of Seattle, and if the oil and gas dries up, you can bet things will change, but for now, North Dakota is the bees knees.

Population: 777,934
Rank Last Year: 4 (Down 2)
Population 2010: 674,526
Absolute Change: 103,408
Percent Change: 15.3%
More On North Dakota: Photos | Rent

North-Dakota|Nd, ND

7. Colorado

Alright, one more trip out west for a couple more stops. This time, we park it in Colorado, where the population has grown 15.11% since 2010.

A net influx of 762,653 Americans relocated to Colorado since 2010. The population growth occurred alongside a steep decline in unemployment, too. Just 3.3% of the Colorado labor force is unemployed, tied with Vermont as the sixth lowest unemployment rate of any state. This somewhat interesting summary pointed out that Denver has the 4th most cranes of any other city? It also states that people are moving here for the mountain scenery.

There’s actually a ton of articles written about why so many people are flocking to Colorado.

Population: 5,811,297
Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 1)
Population 2010: 5,048,644
Absolute Change: 762,653
Percent Change: 15.1%
More On Colorado: Photos | Rent

Colorado|Co, CO

8. Washington

We’re not leaving the west coast for a while, so buckle your seatbelts and stop texting and driving. Our next stop is the state of Washington. Washington’s population has increased by 14.79% since the last decade. Washington’s strong population growth has been accompanied by a substantial increase in GDP, which has grown at an average rate of 2.2% a year — the fourth fastest pace of any state.

Washington’s information sector — which includes industry giants Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia — grew faster than in any other state other than Pennsylvania over that period. Washington is also one of three states on this list with the highest international growth. Meaning a lot of people are moving to Washington from other countries.

Did you know Seattle has been the nation’s fastest growing city in America for five straight years?

Population: 7,740,745
Rank Last Year: 7 (Down 1)
Population 2010: 6,743,226
Absolute Change: 997,519
Percent Change: 14.8%
More On Washington: Photos | Rent

Washington|Wa, WA

9. Arizona

We’re gonna stay on the west side of the country as we visit our ninth fastest growing state, Arizona. Arizona’s population grew by 13.37%, more than twice the national population growth rate. Much of Arizona’s growth was due to new residents migrating to the state. Arizona is the 4th most popular place where other Americans are moving to.

For the third year in a row, Maricopa County led the way of all US counties for population growth. This includes cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Glendale.

But why out west? A number factors affect migration patterns throughout the US. Americans move for economic and educational opportunities as well as quality of life factors such as a warm climate and cost of living. Arizona meets that criteria – it’s relatively affordable, its midsize cities have decent school systems and there are a decent number of jobs here.

Arizona is just one example of how there are simply more Americans moving from the Northeast and Midwest to the South and West.

Population: 7,264,877
Rank Last Year: 9 (No Change)
Population 2010: 6,408,312
Absolute Change: 856,565
Percent Change: 13.4%
More On Arizona: Photos | Rent

Arizona|Az, AZ

10. South Carolina

South Carolina doesn’t seem like a place that’s growing that fast, and maybe that’s why it ranks tenth on the list — just barely breaking onto the fastest growing for 2023.

It might also have to do with the lack of one really big city in the state. North Carolina neighbors to the North have Charlotte and Raleigh. There’s Atlanta to the south. But South Carolina’s largest city? Charleston at about 135,000 people ranks only in the top 200-300 biggest in the country. So it doesn’t have any big city name recognition.

That being said, it’s easy to see why people would want to live in South Carolina. Its central location on the East Coast provides easy access to the big cities mentioned, it has a ton of beaches, and the weather is about as moderate as you can get in the US. So it’s a great place to live with plenty to see and do — and worth of a spot on the top ten.

Population: 5,193,266
Rank Last Year: 10 (No Change)
Population 2010: 4,635,943
Absolute Change: 557,323
Percent Change: 12.0%
More On South Carolina: Photos | Rent

South-Carolina|Sc, SC

Source: Public domain

Methodology: How did we determined the fastest growing states of 2023?

The answer, quite simply, is math.

Magic right?

More specifically, we looked at the estimated population of each state from the 2010 Census and compared that against data from the St. Louis Fed Estimate for the most recent data year, 2021.

We then did a little ((B-A) / A) * 100 (The percent change) for each of the states. Finally, we ranked them all from highest percent change to the lowest percent change for that 6 year time period. You can download the data here.

Oh, and who’s bringing up the rear of the rankings? That would be West Virginia — where over 1% of the population has left this decade. That’s nearly 4x as many people as the next closest state — Illinois.

Summary: The States Everyone Is Moving To For 2023

So there you have it. Our fastest growing states in America. The places in our fine country where people are moving to – or multiplying the fastest in. Or both. After measuring the percentage change in population since the begining of the decade, these states came out on top with Idaho as being the state that everone wants to call home.

So if you’re in one of the states we talked about, and you’re feelin the pinch, it’s not just you. It’s you and you and you and you and you. If you’re looking for somewhere to move and want to follow the crowd, then be a sheep and do just that. And if you’re looking to move and want to make your own trail, then head to places like West Virginia, Vermont, Illinois, Wyoming and Mississippi. Cause the lines are short for tickets to ride those places.

As we always do, let’s show the states that are growing the least amount – or in this case, actually shrinking. West Virginia has actually shrunk since the last official census, and both Illinois and Mississippi have also both lost a few people, too:

  1. West Virginia
  2. Illinois
  3. Mississippi

Why are so many people leaving Illinois and Vermont? Let us know in the comments below.

For more reading, check out:

Population Change By State In The United States For 2023

Rank State Population Now Population 2010
1 Idaho 1,904,314 1,571,010
2 Utah 3,339,113 2,775,326
3 Texas 29,558,864 25,244,310
4 Nevada 3,146,402 2,703,284
5 Florida 21,828,069 18,849,098
6 North Dakota 777,934 674,526
7 Colorado 5,811,297 5,048,644
8 Washington 7,740,745 6,743,226
9 Arizona 7,264,877 6,408,312
10 South Carolina 5,193,266 4,635,943
11 Delaware 1,004,807 899,816
12 Montana 1,106,227 990,641
13 Georgia 10,788,029 9,713,521
14 Oregon 4,256,301 3,838,048
15 North Carolina 10,565,885 9,558,915
16 South Dakota 896,164 816,325
17 Tennessee 6,968,351 6,356,671
18 Virginia 8,657,365 8,025,773
19 Minnesota 5,711,471 5,311,147
20 Nebraska 1,963,554 1,830,051
21 Maryland 6,174,610 5,788,584
22 Massachusetts 6,989,690 6,565,524
23 Oklahoma 3,991,225 3,759,603
24 Hawaii 1,447,154 1,363,945
25 Alabama 5,049,846 4,785,492
26 New Hampshire 1,387,505 1,316,872
27 New Jersey 9,267,961 8,803,729
28 Indiana 6,813,532 6,490,528
29 California 39,142,991 37,332,685
30 Iowa 3,197,689 3,050,738
31 Rhode Island 1,096,985 1,053,337
32 Maine 1,377,238 1,327,730
33 Arkansas 3,028,122 2,921,995
34 Kentucky 4,506,589 4,348,662
35 Vermont 646,972 625,982
36 Wisconsin 5,880,101 5,690,263
37 Missouri 6,169,823 5,996,118
38 Alaska 734,182 714,031
39 Kansas 2,937,922 2,858,850
40 Wyoming 579,483 564,513
41 New Mexico 2,116,677 2,064,756
42 Pennsylvania 13,012,059 12,712,343
43 New York 19,857,492 19,402,640
44 Ohio 11,764,342 11,540,983
45 Louisiana 4,627,098 4,544,996
46 Michigan 10,037,504 9,877,495
47 Connecticut 3,623,355 3,579,899
48 Mississippi 2,949,586 2,970,322
49 Illinois 12,686,469 12,841,578
50 West Virginia 1,785,526 1,854,230

Fastest Growing Places By State

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.