Puerto Rico State Population
The state's population faces demographic shifts and migration challenges.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,118,012 |
| 1920 | 1,299,809 |
| 1930 | 1,543,913 |
| 1940 | 1,869,255 |
| 1950 | 2,210,703 |
| 1960 | 2,349,544 |
| 1970 | 2,712,033 |
| 1980 | 3,196,520 |
| 1990 | 3,522,037 |
| 2000 | 3,808,610 |
| 2010 | 3,725,789 |
| 2020 | 3,285,874 |
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, has experienced significant demographic shifts, with its population currently standing at approximately 3.2 million residents according to the 2020 Census. This represents a substantial decline from its peak of nearly 3.8 million in the early 2000s, marking a significant reversal from decades of growth in the 20th century. The population decrease has been driven primarily by prolonged economic recession, high unemployment, and a sustained exodus of residents to the U.S. mainland, a trend profoundly exacerbated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which triggered a further dramatic surge in out-migration. Currently, the territory continues to face a shrinking and aging population, marked by persistently low birth rates and ongoing, albeit perhaps slower, emigration, posing significant challenges for its economic and social future.
Data Source: US Census Bureau