U.S. Census reveals L.A. County largest in the nation

New data released from the 2020 census reveals L.A. County to be the largest in the U.S., and the city of angels comes in as the second-most populated city in the U.S.
Census 2020 form
Closeup of United States Census 2020 form informational copy. On Aug.12, 2021 the Census Bureau shared new data that will be used to re-draw policital maps across the nation Photo credit Getty Images

After much anticipation, the United States Census Bureau is releasing a treasure trove of new data that will be used to redraw political maps across the country. Los Angeles County remains the largest county in the nation with more than 10 million residents.

The city of Los Angeles came in as the second-most populated city in the U.S., with a population of 3.8 million. That’s an increase of 2.8 percent from the 2010 census.

New York City took the title of most populated city in the country, with a massive population of 8.8 million in the 2020 census. That's up 7.7 percent from the 2010 census.

The U.S. Census Bureau shared this graphic of the 10 largest cities in 2020. Los Angeles came in at number two, with a population of more than 3.9 million. The city is up 2.8 percent since the 2010 census. Photo credit U.S. Census Bureau

Marc Perry with the Census Bureau revealed there were some slight changes in data patterns among the top 10. Phoenix traded spots with Philadelphia this time around and is now the fifth-largest city in the country. The Arizona capitol saw an 11.2 percent increase from 2010 to 2020.

Data also show that for the first time in more than a decade, all 10 of the largest cities have populations of more than one million people.

Fast-growing cities, generally suburbs of nearby larger cities, all grew by at least 44 percent, Perry said.

Overall, population growth in the U.S. slowed between 2010 to 2020, Perry said. He added that only the 1930s had slower growth.

The U.S. Census Bureau shared this graphic indicating population changes between 1920 to 1930 and 2010 to 2020. Data shared on Aug. 12, 2021 reveals that population growth in the U.S. slowed in the most recent decade. Photo credit U.S. Census Bureau

“Fewer states, metro areas and counties had rapid population growth this decade,” he said. “Most counties lost population [this decade].”

And where growth in the 1930s was widespread across all regions of the country, Perry said this time around trends continue to show growth predominantly in metro areas.

The U.S. Census Bureau shared this graphic showing population density by county from data in the 2020 census. Data reveals that the U.S. population continues to be unevenly distributed, with high population densities predominantly in metro areas. Photo credit U.S. Census Bureau

Read more about the 2020 census here.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images