Pennsylvania State Population
Over 13 million residents strong.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 7,665,111 |
| 1920 | 8,720,017 |
| 1930 | 9,631,350 |
| 1940 | 9,900,180 |
| 1950 | 10,498,012 |
| 1960 | 11,319,366 |
| 1970 | 11,793,909 |
| 1980 | 11,863,895 |
| 1990 | 11,881,643 |
| 2000 | 12,281,054 |
| 2010 | 12,702,379 |
| 2020 | 13,002,700 |
With a population currently exceeding 13 million, Pennsylvania ranks as the fifth most populous state in the United States, reflecting a dynamic demographic history. Historically, the state experienced significant and sustained growth from its colonial Quaker roots through the peak of the Industrial Revolution, attracting waves of immigrants to fuel its burgeoning agricultural, coal, and steel industries, leading to major urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a marked slowdown in population expansion, as deindustrialization led to job losses and outward migration, transforming Pennsylvania into a 'Rust Belt' state with periods of near stagnation. Currently, while overall growth remains modest, key trends include an aging demographic, continued domestic out-migration to Sun Belt states, and the vital role of international immigration in contributing to what population increases occur, with urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh experiencing revitalization while some rural areas continue to face decline.
Data Source: US Census Bureau