These states posted population declines in the latest annual U.S. Census Bureau state estimates, ranked from the largest percentage decline.
Why Vermont Is Losing Population
Vermont lost 1,858 residents from July 2024 to July 2025. The largest measured component moving in the same direction was natural change, which reduced the population by 1,769 residents. The state recorded 4,979 births and 6,748 deaths during the period.
What this tells us: these Census components show where the population change came from. They do not claim why individual households chose to move. Housing, jobs, taxes, climate and other relocation factors should be evaluated separately with their own data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2025 components of resident population change.
States Currently Losing Population
States With Current Population Decline — Statistics
Only states with a negative latest 1-year population change are shown. Select any column heading to sort ascending or descending. Since 2020 is included for longer-term context but does not determine inclusion on this page.
| 1 | Vermont | 644,663 | -1,858 | -0.29% | +0.26% |
| 2 | Hawaii | 1,432,820 | -2,132 | -0.15% | -1.26% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,766,147 | -1,255 | -0.07% | -1.42% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,125,498 | -1,276 | -0.06% | +0.33% |
| 5 | California | 39,355,309 | -9,465 | -0.02% | -0.44% |
Recent Population History
Each mini chart shows annual population estimates from 2020 through 2025.
Vermont
Hawaii
West Virginia
New Mexico
How to Use This Trend
Population growth can indicate demand, job creation or migration, but it can also add pressure to housing, traffic and infrastructure. Population decline can improve affordability in some places while also reflecting weaker demand or an aging population. Use the ranking as a starting point and review the individual state and location pages for context.