Census shows slower population growth; state job picture brightens; MHC, Reed differ

U.S. population increased 9.7% from 2000 to 2010, down from the 13.2% growth rate of the previous decade and the slowest 10-year growth rate since 1930-40, the Census Bureau reported today. Nevada again had the highest growth rate (35%) among states but also the biggest slowdown (31 percentage points less than in 1990-2000). Population declined in Michigan (-0.6%) and Puerto Rico (-2.2%). The District of Columbia had the largest rise in growth rate (10.9 percentage points, going from -5.7% to 5.2% growth); only eight states grew faster than in the prior decade. Slower population growth may mean less demand for many types of construction nationally. But the recession and the return of hurricane-displaced persons to Gulf Coast states in recent years mean decade-long trends in some states may differ from 2009-2010 changes; this data will be released later.

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