Pennsylvania State Data Center

U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2012 National and State Population Estimates: Nation Gained 2.3 Million People Last Year, Commonwealth Increased by 19,588

The 2012 National and State Population Estimates have been released by the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the estimates, Pennsylvania continues its trend of slow population growth. Between 2011 and 2012, Pennsylvania’s estimated population grew to 12,763,536, representing a growth rate of 0.2 percent. Pennsylvania remains the 6th largest state in the nation behind California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.

The National and State Population Estimates file also produces specific data regarding the components of population change. One notable item relating to Pennsylvania is the rate of natural increase. Between April 1, 2010 and July 1, 2012, the Commonwealth’s natural increase (births minus deaths) ranked 48th among the states. The Commonwealth’s birth rate ranked 43rd nationally, while the death rate ranked third over the same time period.

The release marks the second set of population estimates to be based on the 2010 Census. Data in the file includes, total population counts, population change and estimated components of population change from April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012.