Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. Census Bureau released updated population estimates showing that the U.S. population increased by 8 million to 340.1 million from July 2021 to July 2024. The estimate data projects a reapportionment, predicting the South will add 1.8 million people in 2024 alone. It indicates Texas and Florida experiencing the largest population growth, with each state receiving an additional four seats in the House of Representatives after the 2030 census.

“The Census Bureau’s reapportionment projections offer an important glimpse into the potential population shifts between decennial redistricting cycles. These potential statewide shifts, combined with the reality that population shifts are trending toward urban and suburban areas and away from rural areas, clarify that we can anticipate significant growth in southern cities by 2030. These population changes underscore the need to ensure fair maps, and that those communities are appropriately represented in Congress,” said NDRC President John Bisognano. “Republican politicians have long relied on gerrymandering to silence voters in urban and diverse areas to achieve unearned political power. There are a lot of unknowns between now and the next Census in 2030, however what we do know for certain is that the current congressional map gives both parties a chance to win the majority, and we will continue our work to ensure that stays true into the next decade.”

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