The U.S. Census Bureau just released 2011 population estimates for states. Interestingly, the United States as a whole saw its population increase by 2.8 million over the 15-month period, to 311.6 million. Its growth of 0.92 percent between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, was the lowest since the mid-1940s. Unlike decennial census counts, the 2011 estimates are pegged at July 1st rather than April 1st.
According to these estimates Utah's population mid-year 2011 stood at 2.8 million--a 1.5-percent increase over July 1, 2010. That growth rate ranks second only to Texas. (A few states actually lost population). Census estimates suggest that more than 90 percent of Utah's population occurred due to "natural increase" --more births than deaths. For many states, net in-migration is the major factor behind population growth.
Keep in mind that the Utah Population Estimates Committee will also publish homegrown 2011 population estimates in the near future.
For more information on the Census Bureau 2011 population estimates, click here.
