Results of the 2010 U.S. Census were released December 21, 2010, and showed that the U.S. population grew just 9.7% in the last decade. That's the slowest rate of growth since the Great Depression. The official population figure is calculated at 308,745,538, including citizens and legal immigrants.
While some complain about the amount of questions the Census form contains, the 2010 Census had just ten questions, which was actually the shortest in history. Seventy-four percent of the 134 million households in the U.S. returned the form, either through the mail or by giving answers to a Census worker.
Changes in Congressional Seats
The Census is required every ten years by the Constitution. While the Census tracks fluctuation in the general population, it is also used to dole out electoral votes, seats in congress, and federal funding. The Census is required to report on the counts collected to the President by January 1st so appropriate seat adjustments in Congress can be made.
According to CNN, eight states will add Congressional seats. Those states, which are considered "red" because they do they very well with Republican candidates, are, "Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington." On the flip side, "Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania" lost seats, while the remaining thirty-two states will remain the same. Overall,18 different states saw a reapportionment of 12 seats.
The western and southern half of the U.S. saw the biggest growth in population, with 13.8% and 14.3% respectively. The Midwest and Northeast also grew, but at a much smaller rate, 3.9% and 3.2% respectively. Nevada had more growth in the last ten years than any other state, with Arizona and Utah coming in close behind.
States With Significant Population Changes
Rhode Island, Ohio, and Louisiana saw significant reduction in population, while Michigan became the only state to have fewer residents now than it did ten years ago. This was due in large part to the decline in factory work and auto industry jobs. Overall, the country has stabled out in terms of fertility, with a rate of 2.1 children for each woman. During the baby-boom years, that number went as high as 3.7.
Many states could lose or gain electoral votes, which could make an impact on the next presidential election. Several states could also choose to redraw their congressional boundaries, which would also impact voting.
Sources:
CNN Political Ticker, "Census results: red states make gains," December 21, 2010. CNN Money, " Census: 308.7 million people live here," December 21, 2010. Census Department, "2010 Census Data Results" December 21, 2010.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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