South Is Only Region Where Population Is Still Growing in All Age Groups

The South continues to attract new residents at a remarkable pace, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

From April 2020 to July 2025, the region’s population grew by 6.0%—nearly twice the national growth rate of 3.1%.

The South also stood out as the only U.S. region to experience population growth across all five age groups during this period, highlighting its broad appeal to families, professionals, and retirees alike.

"Regional age patterns are changing for a few key reasons,” said Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates branch.

“The continued transition of baby boomers into retirement age, compounded by local migration and fertility patterns, is shifting the demographic makeup of the country," she added. "The South stands out because it is seeing population gains in age groups that in other regions saw little change or are declining, reflecting its strong positive migration patterns this decade.”

Attracting residents across generations

The South continues to attract families and residents at every stage of life, fueling growth in each age group.

From 2020 to 2025, the South was the only U.S. region to add residents under the age of 18, with its youth population growing by 1.1%.

In contrast, every other region saw declines, including the Northeast (-4.1%), Midwest (-3.9%), and West (-5.7%).

This trend highlights the South's growing appeal to families and its continued role as a driver of population growth nationwide.

The South also remained the only region to see growth among adults ages 45 to 64, with this demographic increasing by 0.1% from 2020 to 2025.

Meanwhile, the Northeast (-7.1%), Midwest (-6.2%), and West (-2.7%) all experienced declines, reinforcing the South's broad appeal to both established professionals and pre-retirement households.

Southern metro regions remain growth magnets

A closer look at population trends across the nation’s metropolitan and micropolitan areas reveals where the South’s growth has been most pronounced. From 2020 to 2025, Southern metro counties grew by 6.7%—more than any other region or county type. The next-highest growth rate was recorded in the South’s micropolitan counties, which grew by 2.7%.

Southern metro counties also stood out demographically. They were the only counties nationwide to see population growth among both children under 18 and adults ages 45 to 64 during the five-year period. In addition, they led the nation in growth among adults ages 25 to 44 and residents 65 and older.

The strongest gains, however, occurred in the South’s outlying metro counties.

“The South’s growth from 2020 to 2025 has been particularly prominent in its metro areas’ outlying counties,” said Bowers. “These outlying counties grew the fastest across all age groups, and often by a large margin, suggesting that they are attracting or retaining—likely some combination of both—people of all ages.”

This trend suggests that more homebuyers are seeking the affordability, space, and lifestyle opportunities available in suburban and exurban markets throughout the South.

A more nuanced housing picture emerges

While the South continues to drive long-term population growth, recent housing data shows a more complex market backdrop.

According to the Realtor.com® May 2026 Housing Report, inventory growth in the region has largely stalled, with active listings rising just 0.3% year over year and new listings up only 0.6%.

At the same time, pricing trends suggest a gradual cooling. Median list prices in the South fell 2.5% year over year, while prices per square foot declined 3.4%—the sharpest regional drop nationwide.

Price reductions are also more common in Southern markets than in any other region, indicating growing sensitivity to affordability and mortgage rates.

Homes are also taking slightly longer to sell compared with last year, underscoring a market that is becoming more balanced between buyers and sellers.

Taken together, the data points to a region that continues to expand demographically, even as housing conditions normalize.

Population growth across age groups is fueling long-term demand, while shifting inventory and pricing trends suggest a market increasingly shaped by affordability and buyer response to higher borrowing costs.