For the first time, Idaho’s population has topped 1.6 million. The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimate shows Idaho gained 16,500 people in 2013 for a grand total of 1,612,136.
That’s slightly more than 1 percent growth from 2012. The fastest growing state, at more than 3 percent, was North Dakota. That's thanks to its recent oil and gas boom.
Two states, Maine and West Virginia, saw population declines from 2012 to 2013.
Here’s how Idaho’s neighbors compare in total population for 2013:
- Washington: 6,971,406
- Oregon: 3,930,065
- Utah: 2,900,872
- Nevada: 2,790,136
- Idaho: 1,612,136
- Montana: 1,015,165
- Wyoming: 582,658
Idaho's population grew more than the nation's from 2012-2013. Growth in the U.S. over the year was 0.7 percent, Idaho clocked in at 1.04. Still, Idaho's population didn't change as much as most of its neighboring states.
Here’s how they stack up in terms of percentage growth from 2012 to 2013:
- Utah: 1.61 percent
- Nevada: 1.30 percent
- Washington: 1.10 percent
- Wyoming: 1.05 percent
- Idaho: 1.04 percent
- Montana: 0.96 percent
- Oregon: 0.78 percent
Copyright Boise State Public Radio 2013