Demographic Digest, May 23, 2025
A weekly roundup of the top population news you need to know now
U.S. Cities Are Growing Again—Fast
For the first time in decades, major U.S. cities are bouncing back. According to new U.S. Census Bureau data, 94% of large American cities grew between July 2023 and June 2024. What is driving that growth? Immigration.
The U.S. population jumped by 1%—the biggest increase in nearly 25 years, a sharp reversal from the post-COVID slowdown. Cities that once saw declines are roaring back to life.
Texas takes the crown: Princeton grew by a staggering 30.6%. Other boomtowns include Fort Worth, Fulshear, Hutto, and Celina. Fort Worth just passed the one-million-resident mark.
Detroit’s comeback: After decades of population loss, Detroit added 1.1% to its total—enough to leapfrog Portland, Oregon.
Pittsburgh’s surprise gain: The Steel City added nearly 5,000 residents, thanks largely to international migration and jobs downtown.
These shifts aren’t just about numbers—they’re reshaping local economies, infrastructure needs, and political power.
Globally, the Future Is Older—and Smaller
India, long defined by its youthful population, is aging fast. By 2050, 1 in 5 Indians will be over 60. The challenge? Building healthcare and economic security systems fast enough to catch up.
Thailand’s population shrank by 100,000 last year—only 462,000 births vs. 572,000 deaths. The country’s total fertility rate (1.0) is now lower than Japan’s.
South Korea has officially declared its birth rate crisis a “national emergency.” A new government ministry is rolling out cash incentives and childcare subsidies. It’s working—births ticked up 8% late last year—but the long-term trends remain troubling.
Urban Futures: Can Infrastructure Keep Up?
In the U.S., places like San Antonio are bracing for surging growth. Bexar County is projected to add 1.1 million people by 2050, sparking urgent discussions about water access, school capacity, and land use.
In Melton, Australia, where the population is projected to reach 350,000 by 2036, residents are already demanding more infrastructure. A petition for a new police station gathered over 1,000 signatures last week.
These tensions—between growth and readiness—are becoming a defining challenge of our time.
What it means for you:
Growth isn’t evenly distributed. Cities and countries that prepare—through immigration, urban planning, and inclusive policy—will thrive.
Decline isn’t destiny. Even long-suffering cities like Detroit are finding new life through smart investment and revitalization.
Aging societies need new models. The global pivot to longevity is reshaping everything from healthcare to housing to the labor market.
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