Idaho ranks second fastest growing state with 1.44% population increase

The Gem State may not be the fastest growing state, but it shines at No. 2 overall, sandwiched between the Carolinas when it comes to adding the most new residents.

Idaho’s year-over-year population growth registers at 1.44% better than in 2025, right on the heels of South Carolina at 1.46%, and just ahead of North Carolina (1.32%) according to a new report issued by SmartAsset.

The financial technology company analyzed yearly popular changes for all 50 states to help identify where growth is strongest, and where resident counts are declining. The study also examined which states are home to the oldest and youngest populations, and how growth rates and age distribution are reshaping the nation’s demographic profile.

On the losing side, five states registered a population decline, led by Vermont, Hawaii, West Virginia, New Mexico and California.

“A growing population can increase labor availability and expand the consumer base, supporting economic growth,” the report stated. “At the same time, negative population growth may reduce pressure on housing and infrastructure, potentially improving affordability for current residents.”

Sitting comfortably in the No. 2 spot nationwide, Idaho has now eclipsed the 2 million mark in population. The median age for those who call Idaho home is 41, with 5.35% of the population under the age of 5, and 21% now 65 or older.

Other states climbing the population ladder include Texas, which moved up 1.32%, and Utah, which showed a 1.03% gain. The Beehive State also boasts the nation’s youngest population with a median age of 33. This figure includes the highest share (6.5%) of residents younger than 5, and the lowest percentage (13%) of those 65 and older.

Amongst the five states experiencing a population reduction, Vermont fell 0.29% the worst nationwide. Hawaii was down 0.15%, followed by West Virginia down 0.07%, New Mexico down 0.06% and California which dropped 0.02% to round out the bottom five.

Even with the slight decline, the Golden State remains the nation’s most populous state with just over 39 million residents. However, between 2010 and 2024, nearly 10 million Californians packed up and headed for other states, according to another report from CalMatters.