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North Carolina Value:
Number of estimated residents
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Number of estimated residents
US Value: 333,287,557
Top State(s): : 333,287,557
Bottom State(s): Wyoming: 581,381
Definition: Number of estimated residents
Data Source and Years(s): CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, 2022
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
The United States population has increased significantly since the early 20th century and is projected to continue increasing in future years. As of November 2023, the U.S. has a population of more than 335 million residents, with a net increase of one person every 19 seconds.
The U.S. population is composed of approximately equal numbers of females and males. Nearly 6% (5.6%) of the population is younger than 5, 21.7% is younger than 18, and 17.3% are older than 65 years of age. Nearly 9 in 10 (88.9%) of Americans older than 25 are high school graduates and 33.7% are college graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2022, the median household income was approximately $75,000 annually and nearly 13% of residents were living in poverty.
As the U.S. increases in population, the country is also becoming more diverse. Currently, 75.5% of the population identifies as white. By 2060, the white population is projected to shrink to 68% of Americans, while all other racial and ethnic minorities are expected to grow.
The most populated region of the U.S. is the South, with 60% more residents than any other region. Approximately 20% of adults who live in the South report having fair or poor health. Obesity, diabetes and cancer are major health issues in the South and for the U.S. as a whole. Approximately 60% of adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition, while 40% have two or more conditions. Opioid addiction and infectious diseases are other health challenges facing Americans.
Artiga, Samantha, and Anthony Damico. “Health and Health Coverage in the South: A Data Update.” Issue Brief. KFF, February 2016. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/health-and-health-coverage-in-the-south-a-data-update/.
Vespa, Jonathan, Lauren Medina, and David M. Armstrong. “Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060.” Current Population Reports. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau, February 2020. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p25-1144.html.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.