Census: Nebraska grows 7.4%
Nebraska continues to grow, up 7.4% over the last 10 years, according to initial population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday.
This first release of population figures is broken down only to the state level.
Nebraska reached nearly 2 million in the census figures with a total state population of 1,961,504 people. That compares to 1,826,341 people counted in the 2010 census—an increase of 7.4%.
That matched the population growth of the U.S., which also showed growth of 7.4% during the last 10 years.
One of the primary purposes of the census is to determine the number of seats each state will be allotted in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Nebraska’s growth ensured that it will retain all three of its House seats. Nebraska was among 37 states who will keep the same number of House representatives.
Two of the largest states in the country—California and New York—will each lose one seat in the House.
Five other states will also lose a representative based on the new population counts. These include Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
When states lose representatives, it means other states will pick them up due to their population growth.
Texas will be the big winner, picking up two of the seven seats. The state has added nearly 4 million residents over the past 10 years, a growth rate of 15.9%.
The other five states picking up a seat include Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oregon and North Carolina.
Overall population in the United States now totals
331,449, 281 people. In the last 10 years, the U.S. has added 22.7 million in population, a growth rate of 7.4%.
The growth from the 2000 census to 2010 was 9.7%.
California remains the most populous state with 39.5 million people. Conversely, Wyoming is the smallest state with 576,851 people.
Further break down of the population numbers will follow later this summer for the purpose of congressional redistricting within states.
County and city break downs are not expected until the end of 2021.