Which States Lost Population in 2021 and What Does It Mean?

Population declined in 17 states in 2021, according to an annual report from the Pew Charitable Trusts Fiscal 50 project. A long-term trend of reduced growth rate appears to have been amplified by COVID-19 deaths and continued restrictions on immigration. Some of the shifts seen in 2021 could be the consequence of remote work decisions that may be rethought if workers become confident that the bridge away from pandemic restrictions has truly been crossed, or if employers decide to reign in free-range employees. Growth may be slowing, but the country’s total population is projected to grow 14 percent by 2050, bolstered by immigration.