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Have you ever wondered how the population of your county has changed over the last few decades? Our fascinating United States map reveals the dramatic shifts in population across the country from 1990 to 2022. This eye-opening visualization brings to life the dynamic nature of America’s demographics, showcasing which areas have boomed and which have faced challenges.
United States map showing percent change in population by county from 1990 to 2022. Red areas indicate growth, while blue areas show population decline.
This United States map, which I created using official data from the United States Census Bureau, provides a county-by-county look at population changes over 32 years. The color-coded visualization offers an immediate and impactful understanding of demographic shifts across the nation.
Highlights from Our United States Map
The Sun Belt Surge: Our map clearly shows the explosive growth in the Sun Belt region. Counties in states like Arizona, Florida, and Texas are painted in deep reds, indicating significant population increases.
Rural Retreat: In stark contrast, many rural counties across the Great Plains and Midwest are shaded in blues, representing population declines. Some counties in North Dakota and Kansas have lost about 30% of their residents since 1990.
Coastal Contrasts: The coasts tell a tale of two trends. While many coastal counties in the Southeast have grown rapidly, parts of the Northeast and upper Midwest have seen more modest changes or even slight declines.
Mountain West Momentum: The Rocky Mountain states are another hotspot of growth. Counties around Denver, Salt Lake City, and Boise have seen their populations swell as people flock to these outdoor-oriented urban centers.
Texas-Sized Growth: Everything’s bigger in Texas, including population growth! The triangle formed by Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin-San Antonio has experienced phenomenal expansion, with some counties more than doubling in size.
What’s Driving These Changes?
Several factors contribute to the patterns we see on our United States map:
Economic opportunities: Job markets in tech hubs and growing metropolitan areas attract new residents.
Climate preferences: Many retirees and young professionals alike are drawn to warmer climates.
Urban vs. rural divide: Cities and suburbs continue to grow while many rural areas face challenges retaining residents.
Natural amenities: Areas with attractive outdoor recreation options have seen significant in-migration.
Why This United States Map Matters
Understanding population trends is crucial for:
Policymakers allocating resources and planning infrastructure
Businesses making decisions about where to expand or invest
Individuals considering relocation for work or retirement
Our United States map provides a clear, visual representation of these important demographic shifts, making it an invaluable tool for anyone interested in the changing face of America.
Explore Further with Your Own United States Map
Fascinated by what you’ve learned? Dive deeper into American geography with your own high-quality United States map. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, an educator, or simply curious about our nation’s landscape, a detailed map is an excellent resource to have on hand.
Check out these top-rated United States maps available on Amazon:
By exploring these maps alongside the population change data we’ve discussed, you’ll gain an even richer understanding of the United States’ geographic and demographic landscape.
