Population Growth and Seats Gained

The United States Census Bureau released state population counts for 2020, which matters because the numbers directly affect how many representatives each state gets (pointed out many times).

To gain more seats, it’s not enough for a state’s population to just increase, because most state populations are increasing. Instead, population has to grow faster in your state than in others’. Then the states are ranked based on the year’s counts, and seats are apportioned accordingly.

The chart below shows how each state faired after the new count, in terms of population growth and seats gained.

 

While Texas gained two seats with a 15 percent increase in population, it remains around the middle of the pack in terms of relative representation. Texas as 1.3 representatives per million people.

On the other hand, Montana gained a seat and became the most represented of all the states, relatively, with 1.8 representatives per million people. The top spot used to belong to Rhode Island, which only dropped to second, because they did not lose a seat like some expected. The bottom spot now belongs to Delaware.

Become a member. Support an independent site. Make great charts.

See What You Get

Favorites

Shifts in How Couples Meet, Online Takes the Top

How do couples meet now and how has it changed over the years? Watch the rankings play out over six decades.

Divorce Rates for Different Groups

We know when people usually get married. We know who never marries. Finally, it’s time to look at the other side: divorce and remarriage.

How Much Americans Make

Median income only tells you where the middle is. The distributions of income are a lot more interesting.

When Americans Reach $100k in Savings

It was reported that 1 in 6 millennials have at least $100,000 saved. Is this right? It seems high. I looked at the data to find out and then at all of the age groups.