The 2010 census

The first batch of 2010 census data were published yesterday. The U.S. population now stands at over 308 million, growing 9.7 percent in the last decade. This is the slowest growth since the 1930's when the population grew at only 7.3%.

The South (14.3%) and the West (13.8%) continued to grow at above average rates, while the Northeast (3.2%) and Midwest (3.9%) growth rates were below average. The biggest gain was measured in Nevada (35%), while Texas grew fastest in absolute numbers. The Texas population rose with 4.3 million people to 25.1 million. California remains the most populous state at 37.2 residents. Michigan was the only state to lose population.

The census website has this great interactive graphic.