The U.S. Census Bureau reveals that immigration is driving population growth in the U.S., particularly as the aging baby boomer generation increases the percentage of older adults. In 2023-2024, the population aged 65 and older grew by 3.1%, while those under 18 decreased by 0.2%. Despite a decrease in births, rising immigration, especially among Hispanic and Asian populations, has helped maintain a population balance. Analysts note that the declining number of White children is offset by the increase in non-White youth, particularly among Hispanic and Asian demographics.
"This past year, the population gain was bigger than it's ever been before. Overall, it's because of immigration," said Bill Frey, a senior demographer at the Brookings Institution.
"The gap between the two groups is narrowing, in part because of a decline in births this decade," said Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau's population estimates branch, in a statement.
Collection
[
|
...
]