La. posts population gains in latest Census report; most who left didn’t go far

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Louisiana’s population ticked up by 0.59% between July 2011 and July 2012. The Bayou State’s population increased by a net of 27,127 residents over that span, bringing the 2012 population estimate to 4,601,893. Nationwide, the Census Bureau estimates the U.S. added 2.3 million people up through July, an increase of 0.8% over the year. In terms of total residents, the most populous states—Texas, California and Florida—registered the largest gains. Governing magazine has taken the Census figures from the 2011 American Community Survey and created an interactive map to show where people are moving within the United States. It notes relatively few Americans moved during the year—about 12%—and those who did find new homes didn’t travel far. Louisiana was no exception. Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Georgia were the most popular destinations for those who left Louisiana during the year. Likewise, Texas and Mississippi were the top two states from which Louisiana added residents. Check out the map and see the specific figures here.