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December 22, 2005

Census: R.I. one of 3 states to lose population in 2004-5

BOSTON - Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York were the only states to lose population from 2004 to 2005, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Rhode Island lost more than 3,000 residents, down 0.3 percent, the Census Bureau estimated. Massachusetts lost more than 8,000 residents between July 2004 and July 2005, a decrease of 0.1 percent. It was the only state last year to lose population.

Experts attribute the trend to soaring housing costs, a stagnant job market and the arrival of fewer immigrants. "There are reasons for concern here," said Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. "Housing costs are a dramatic driver when it comes to people making decisions to move to other states."

Most of the states with the largest population growth are in the South and West. Nevada, with an estimated population increase of 3.5 percent, was the fastest growing state for the 19th consecutive year. The nation's population increased by 2.8 million, or 0.9 percent, to 296.4 million, according to the Census Bureau.

-- Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 4:45 PM | Permalink