Despite the fact that Iowa is growing, its rate is slower than the U.S. overall and most other states. Nevada, the fastest growing state, is estimated to have a 32.3 percent increase since the census. Iowa, with its current state estimated population of just over 3 million, increased by only 2.8 percent.

The new estimates come as little surprise to Beth Henning, coordinator of the State Library of Iowa ’s State Data Center Program.

“Slow, steady growth has been the defining feature in Iowa’s population for more than 100 years,” she said. “The latest estimates are consistent with that pattern.”

Between 2000 and 2009, Iowa gained 106,396 residents due to natural change (more births than deaths) and 36,329 immigrants. Together those totals offset a net loss of 52,205 — residents who moved out of Iowa to other states.

Next December the Census Bureau will report the results of the 2010 census, and Henning expects the tradition will continue.

Source: Iowa Independent