Missouri Growing – Moves Up 1 Among Most Populated States in US

There is a narrative that many states in the Midwest are shrinking, but new data does not agree. As a matter of fact, Missouri is getting bigger and just moved up 1 among the most populated states in America.

I've learned the hard way to never trust anything I see on the Missouri sub-Reddit without checking corroborating sources first. That's why I was highly suspicious when I saw this graphic shared.

Missouri gains one spot, now ranks 18/50 in population. In 2020 it was the 19th largest state.
byu/como365 inmissouri

The good news is they're right and I found an even newer set of data from the University of Missouri Extension Service.

It's important to note that this new population count by Missouri shows that the state currently has approximately 6.2 million residents, but that does not include migration during 2024 as the full year of data has not yet been compiled (that I've seen). The University of Missouri's note that the state's growth is slightly behind the national average is fair, too. Missouri's growth is only .2% while the national average is .3%, but that's still healthier than other Midwestern states. (Looking at you, Illinois)