The incredible shrinking state
Louisiana's population is projected to shrink by 153,837 people by 2040—a 3.3% decline, according to new projections from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
Why it matters: The South is booming. Louisiana isn't invited. While the region as a whole is set to add 16.7 million people—nearly 78% of the nation's total growth through 2040—Louisiana is headed the other direction, watching its neighbors fill up as its own numbers empty out.
By the numbers:
- Texas alone is projected to add 6.56 million residents by 2040 (+20.7%)—more than any other state in the country
- Arkansas grows too, adding 100,277 residents (+3.2%)
- Mississippi shrinks faster than Louisiana, down 138,951 people (-4.7%)
- Louisiana, Mississippi and West Virginia are the only three Southern states projected to lose population, combining for a loss of more than 440,000 people
- California, at 39 million-plus residents, is losing people more slowly than Louisiana despite having nearly nine times the population
The bottom line: Between the coastline and the Census Bureau, Louisiana can't catch a break. The insane part: The state keeps following its same, unique blueprint and hoping for a different result.
