National Trends

National Population Growth & Decline Snapshot

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. population increased by .35% between 2019 and 2020. Kentucky’s population increased by .15% over the same time period.

Between 2019 and 2020, some states saw significant increases in population numbers that contributed to overall national growth. The top fastest-growing states during this period were Arizona and Idaho. Other states saw a population decline. 16 U.S. states law population loss in 2020, such as California, Connecticut, Hawaii, West Virginia, and Illinois.

Fastest Growing States 20221

The U.S. is Still Recovering from the 2008 Housing Crisis Housing issues are at the forefront of community development. Improving land use and zoning to increase an equitable and sustainable housing supply is front of mind for planners.

After the Great Recession, the number of home builders declined significantly, and housing production was unable to meet buyer demand. This deficit of housing in the United States continues to exist because of persistent supply-side headwinds for builders, creating a critical housing affordability challenge for renters and homebuyers. Yet despite these challenges, residential construction is set to evolve and expand throughout the decade ahead.2