Population Growth

Aerial view of downtown Detroit, Michigan at twilight.

Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing

It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.

June 23, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Moving truck with open back door with furniture and a blue suitcase visible inside.

The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the US

The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2023 population estimates on May 16 showing a slew of data for cities of all sizes and regions. Do you know the population change last year for the 15 largest cities in your state?

June 3, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

California State Capital

California Halts Three Years of Population Loss

The Golden State grew by 67,000 people, or 0.17%, last year, to just over 39.1 million on Jan. 1, 2024, according to a demographic report released April 30 by the California Department of Finance.

May 16, 2024 - California Department of Finance

A small town in the U.S. Midwest at dusk, with cars parked on a street lined with historic buildings and a water tower in the distance.

Small Towns Grow Faster Than Cities for First Time in Decades

Cities of 4 million or more people lost 600,000 residents to domestic migration.

May 15, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Aerial view of dense housing in San Francisco Bay Area.

Is California's Housing Situation Turning Around?

Population is stagnant. But housing supply is growing. Is this the beginning of a Great Correction?

May 14, 2024 - California Planning & Development Report

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas.

Commentary: San Antonio Needs ‘Thoughtful Reforms’ to Improve Affordability

The growing Texas city needs a new approach to meet its residents’ housing and mobility needs.

February 29, 2024 - San Antonio Report

Aerial view of derelict brick buildings in post-industrial Gary, Indiana.

Depopulation Projected in Thousands of US Cities

Many small and mid-sized cities could see a decline before 2100.

January 15, 2024 - Scientific American

Blurred close-up of movers in blue coveralls unloading cardboard boxes from moving van.

Population Losers

California's population dipped below 39 million as of July, according to the Census Bureau, after seeing its net domestic migration loss this year exceed last year's. Only New York has seen a greater loss as a percentage of population.

December 28, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of neighborhoods in Katy, Texas.

Southern States Lead US Population Growth

The South is the only region to see a net gain in residents between 2022 and 2023.

December 21, 2023 - Stateline

Columbus

Central Ohio Housing Production Struggles to Keep up With Demand

The region’s population growth is outstripping the pace of housing construction.

October 16, 2023 - The Columbus Dispatch

Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona with mountains in background

‘Tempe Tomorrow’ Plans for Expected Population Growth

Tempe planners are preparing a General Plan update scheduled for voter approval in March 2024.

August 24, 2023 - Daily Independent

Sprawl

Colorado Erases Local Growth Limits

Colorado legislators passed a law earlier this year that preempts local limits on the number of building permits issued every year.

August 8, 2023 - The Denver Post

A crowded sunny day at Santa Monica beach

California Decline: Population Likely Peaked Three Years Ago

A July projection from the state's Demographic Research Unit indicates that the population in 2060 may be about what it is today.

July 27, 2023 - Bloomberg News

Aerial view of single-family homes in Houston suburb with setting sun in background

Census: Texas Home to Fastest-Growing Cities

Census Bureau data reveals strong growth in large and small Texas cities, while major metros continue to draw residents.

May 21, 2023 - U.S. Census Bureau

View of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte’s New Zoning Code, Set to Launch in June, Faces Tough Tests

Faced with the challenges and controversies of rapid growth, Charlotte has approved a new comprehensive plan and unified development code in recent years.

May 8, 2023 - WCNC

California Houses

California Growth Report: Housing Up, Population Down

Good and bad news can be found in the most recent demographic report from the California Department of Finance. The population dropped by nearly 140,000 last year while housing grew at the highest rate in 14 years.

May 4, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Ottawa

Ottawa’s New Transportation Master Plan Sets 20-Year Planning Priorities

Canada’s capital city recently completed the first step toward adopting a new Transportation Master Plan.

May 2, 2023 - City of Ottawa

A sprawling view of Miami’s low-density residential areas, bisected by wide surface streets.

Florida Law Would Change the Definition of ‘Sprawl’

One quick way to build sprawl.

March 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

Aerial view of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin at sunset

Milwaukee Sets Sights on a Million Residents

Zoning reform will be key to the Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s vision to almost double the city’s population.

February 27, 2023 - Wisconsin Public Radio

Green Monopoly houses on game board

Wave of Household Growth Likely Cresting, Relieving Crowded Housing Markets

A recent series of data on the growth of households in the United States reveals the unprecedented scale of housing demand in recent years.

January 22, 2023 - Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

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The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.