Issue Brief 10-52
December 30, 2010
Summary 

On December 21, 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau released the first results of the 2010 decennial census—actual state resident population totals for April 2010. For the nation as a whole, the population grew 9.7% from 2000 to 2010. This marks the slowest growth rate during a decade since the Great Depression. Population growth during the decade ranged from -2.3% in Puerto Rico to 33.8% in Nevada.

The count shows some dramatic shifts in population since 2000. As a result, some states will see changes in their share of grant allocations and other formulas. The biggest impact will be felt in Medicaid, the largest grant program, but not until federal fiscal year (FY) 2013.  

This Issue Brief summarizes the new population data and calculates their effect on 2010 tax-exempt private-activity bond limitations, Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) allocations, and other formula grants.