Is Louisiana Now Gaining Population?

In December, the Census Bureau reported that Louisiana gained rather than lost population for the first time since the 2020 Census. As is their routine, the Census Bureau also revised their 2021, 2022, and 2023 total estimates for Louisiana, and found that the estimated population for Louisiana was slightly higher than previously reported in those years, too.

Does this mean that Louisiana’s concerns about population loss are now over? Maybe and maybe not. Here’s why: 1) One year does not make a trend, 2) In upcoming years, the Census Bureau plans to improve its new methodology and these numbers may be revised downward or upward, and 3) If these estimates prove to be accurate, Louisiana’s population growth is largely based on an increasing number of new international immigrants.