Ranking Nation's Population Growth By State Since 1970
R. Peevy • May 31, 2026
Alabama's regions of growth have changed drastically
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Over the past 55 years the nation's population count rose by nearly 139 million people, growing from roughly 203.3 million in 1970 to an estimated 342.2 million in 2025. That is a 68.2% increase. But which state gained the most growth over this period and where does Alabama rank?
If you live in Baldwin County, Huntsville or Auburn you might feel like the Yellow Hammer state's population has exploded over this period but from a national view we only gained 51%, seventeen percent (-17%) below the nations average.
So which state lead the nation according to the U.S. Census Bureau? Nevada shows a population growth expanding by 572% since 1970. Their boom was largely fueled by Las Vegas evolving from a tourism-centered economy into a broader metropolitan hub with expanding healthcare, logistics, construction, and business sectors.
All U.S. States Population Growth Rate (1970 - 2025)
Graphic courtesy of Visual Capitalist
So if you feel like the traffic has increased at the Alabama beaches or cities like Huntsville or Auburn, you are probably correct. While Baldwin County has become a tourist and retiree destination, other sectors of the state have experienced industry growth in automotive manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, metals and advanced materials, agriculture, and forestry/paper production. These sectors have anchored the state's economic output and employment footprint over the last 50 years.
The state's CURRENT top growth leaders include:
Limestone County: Leading the state for the seventh consecutive year, this North Alabama county is the fastest-growing with a 3.3% annual growth rate and a population over 126,000
Baldwin County: Located on the Gulf Coast, the booming beach and retirement destination is seeing a 2.7% growth rate, pushing its population near 274,000.
Madison County: Anchored by Huntsville and the booming aerospace and defense sector, it adds the most raw numbers (nearly 10,000 new residents annually) and has grown to over 443,000 residents.
Lee County: Home to Auburn University, this East Alabama hub is growing at nearly 1% annually, with a population approaching 192,000.
If you drive down I-65 you may feel like Alabama should be ranked higher. This is one time that statistically it is good to be average. (Ranked 27 out of 50 States and one District)
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