Los Angeles County sees population decline, South sees growth and other census takeaways
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Census data shows Los Angeles County and other major metros lost population between mid-2024 and mid-2025 while Southern areas grew.
How This Affects You
Population shifts could reduce federal funding and congressional representation for declining areas like California while increasing it for Southern states, affecting local services and political power.
AI Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau released new population estimates Thursday showing that several major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles County, experienced population declines between July 2024 and July 2025. The slowdown in growth across most U.S. metro areas reflects a broader decline in immigration during this period. Southern metropolitan areas bucked the national trend and continued expanding, marking a shift in where Americans are choosing to live. The data underscores ongoing demographic changes that could reshape congressional representation, federal funding allocation, and regional economic development priorities in coming years. The slower growth rates represent a marked deceleration compared to the previous year's population increases.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsGrowth rate slowed in US metro areas in 2025, with steepest drops along the southern border - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiugFBVV95cUxNSkNCdlRWRDZBYjY5ZFlidWVDTml0T1VyaUh5SG54TWZReVh2TnZUMm0xam5KZnFoQzRTYU9TZmFOMDYybDJVWkhsdlh1NGcxWFR0UWZWZWV5cUZBZDNJc1RuVVJ6VTBFNGsyRmFBbmdYUFFGQXVjUl9kVlZYS2MwMEV4aGdjUUg2UmYxT19LZF92eEJIUXoxT0cyWkVaVXRMOWlNZk50YS1oX3dGcUNNdE9NS25VSnlRVVE?oc=5" target="_blank">Growth rate slowed in US metro areas in 2025, with steepest drops along the southern border</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
FinanceASIA GOLD Gold demand improves in India as prices ease; China sees softer buying - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivgFBVV95cUxPdkVHay01NVdmUFM1aXpGVkU5bnUtWTVQRXNmVHNfZU5SVnFRSzlUSExLM0JsMmNKdkVka1NFSWxCU0pSZGZqVjhIRFJHMGxBbjZ0UllDUGVKbFVBTTlQUXhyaEdhWktfODFIYlFkRHItcV8yWlE5cHhGNm5mRllfMFpRSF84X18wU1lzTzBuVldVdy1hVXdQT21QTHlBc2lqbFdDY2V0cDFFOW1jeVVLcFV2ZkVONUxiUkp6b3B3?oc=5" target="_blank">ASIA GOLD Gold demand improves in India as prices ease; China sees softer buying</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsCourt denies AG’s petition to block Republican sheriff’s investigation of 650,000 ballots - Los Angeles Times
National SecurityMaryland park closed after string of explosive devices found
<p>Officials say bomb squad called to Fort Washington Park, which has been closed by National Park Service</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>Authorities found several explosive devices across a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/maryland">Maryland</a> park over the weekend, prompting the park’s closure.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1U1ZuAMVTA/">statement</a> on Monday, the Prince George’s county fire department said that its bomb squad responded to Fort Washington Park after “several explosive devices were located”, prompting the US Park Police to close the approximately 341-acre site.</p> <a href="http...
National SecurityClose call between United Airlines flight, Black Hawk helicopter in California
In Southern California, a California Air National Guard Black Hawk helicopter crossed the path of a United Airlines flight on Tuesday. The apparent close call comes after the TSA tightened rules last week for helicopters operating around airports. Kris Van Cleave reports.
PoliticsTrump administration to face questions about seizure of Fulton County ballots
Trump administration attorneys will face serious questions for the first time on Friday about the seizure of 2020 election records from a Fulton County election site.

Trump administration to face questions about seizure of Fulton County ballots
Trump administration attorneys will face serious questions for the first time on Friday about the seizure of 2020 election records from a Fulton County election site.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say

Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs

The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires

Washington ignores America's fiscal cliff

Iran built a vast camera network to control dissent. Israel used it to track targets, AP sources say


