The fastest-growing areas in the Philadelphia region
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The Philadelphia region accounted for more than half of Pennsylvania's population growth between 2019 and 2023, per recent U.S. census data.
The big picture: Pennsylvania has seen a modest population increase in recent years, signaling bigger challenges ahead for the state.
- Slow population growth can lead to a shrinking workforce, hurt economic development, and strain public resources and programs.
State of play: The Keystone State added nearly 200,000 new neighbors between 2019-2023, up 1.5% over the previous five years, per census data.
- That growth was mostly concentrated in the Southeast, including the Philly region.
- More than two dozen mostly rural counties saw population declines.
By the numbers: During that period, the Philly region, which spans five counties, grew by more than 102,000 residents.
- Montgomery County's population grew the most at nearly 5%, followed by Chester County (+4.6%).
- Philly proper gained the least at .4%, or around 6,900 people.
What's ahead: By 2050, Pennsylvania's population is projected to rise a mere 1.6%, according to a report from the bipartisan legislative state agency Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
- While urban areas are estimated to see growth over that time, like Philly (+14.7%), rural areas will continue to see declines.
Threat level: Pennsylvania's growth is lagging behind most other states, Kyle Kopko, executive director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, tells Axios.
- And the Keystone State has an aging population, with senior citizens outnumbering people under 20.
Between the lines: International migration to Pennsylvania has been the primary driver of population growth in recent years, per a report this month from the agency.
- Meanwhile, the state — along with the country — is becoming more diverse and non-white, Kopko says.
What they're saying: "As our population changes, the needs of that population also change," Kopko says.