The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that metropolitan areas are growing faster than the nation as a whole, with notable population rebounds in regions previously affected by COVID-19-related declines. The newly released Vintage 2024 population estimates highlight key trends in migration, birth rates, and overall demographic shifts.
Metro Areas Drive Population Growth
Between 2023 and 2024, U.S. metropolitan areas added nearly 3.2 million residents, marking a 1.1% growth rate and bringing the total metro population to 293.9 million. This growth outpaced the overall U.S. population increase of 1.0%, which now stands at over 340 million.
A key driver of this growth is net international migration, which contributed approximately 2.7 million new residents to metro areas, an increase from 2.2 million in the previous year. This international influx has helped offset domestic outmigration trends in many regions.
Hampton Roads: A Steady Growth Story
The Hampton Roads region, home to approximately 1.8 million people in 2024, remains one of the country’s larger metro areas, ranking in the top 15% nationwide in terms of population size. While the region’s growth rate has been moderate, it has shown resilience in maintaining a steady upward trajectory. Between 2020 and 2024, Hampton Roads experienced a 0.7% growth rate, with 0.5% growth from 2021 to 2024, another 0.5% from 2022 to 2024, and 0.3% from 2023 to 2024.
This continued growth underscores the region’s stability and attractiveness, driven by its strong economic base, world-class port infrastructure, military presence, and strategic location along the East Coast.
Among counties in Virginia, three Hampton Roads localities ranked in the top 20 for growth from 2020 to 2024:
• New Kent County led the state with an impressive 17.7% growth, making it the fastest-growing county in the Commonwealth.
• The City of Suffolk saw an 8.8% increase, ranking 5th statewide.
• Isle of Wight County experienced a 5.8% increase, placing 19th statewide.
Additionally, James City County narrowly missed the top 20, growing 5.5% and ranking 21st in the state.
Across the 15 localities represented by the Hampton Roads Alliance, population growth averaged 2.9% from 2020 to 2024, reinforcing the region’s steady expansion and economic potential.
County-Level Population Trends
• Nearly two-thirds (65.3%) of U.S. counties experienced population growth in 2024.
• Large counties (populations over 100,000) grew on average by 1.1%, while smaller counties (under 10,000 residents) saw a slight decline of 0.2%.
• Nine of the ten fastest-growing counties were located in metro areas in the South and West, demonstrating a continued migration trend toward these regions.
Metro and Micro Area Insights
• 86.4% of the U.S. population resided in metro areas in 2024.
• Metro areas accounted for 96% of the nation’s total population growth.
• The South dominated the fastest-growing metro areas.
• Among micro areas, the South again saw the highest growth.
• Hampton Roads’ continued population growth highlights its resilience as a key economic hub in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Role of International Migration
According to Census Bureau demographer Kristie Wilder, “Increasingly, population growth in metro areas is being shaped by international migration.” While natural increase (births exceeding deaths) continues to contribute to population gains, international migration has become the dominant factor in urban growth.
Looking Ahead
The Census Bureau will release additional city- and town-level population estimates in May 2024, offering further insights into demographic shifts at the local level. Future estimates will continue to refine methodologies to improve accuracy, particularly in measuring international migration.
With metro areas continuing to lead the country’s population growth, regional leaders and policymakers must consider the implications for infrastructure, housing, and economic development to accommodate these changes. Hampton Roads, with its strong economic foundation and steady population increases, is well-positioned to remain a key player in the national landscape.
