Burgum welcomes new record population estimate, recognizes need for complete census count in 2020

 

Gov. Doug Burgum today welcomed the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau that show North Dakota’s population reached a new all-time high of 762,062 residents as of July 1, 2019, an increase of 3,982 from last year’s revised estimate of 758,080. 

“We are excited to see that a record number of people are experiencing North Dakota’s exceptional quality of life. Our population growth reflects the abundant opportunities in North Dakota and the strong potential for future economic expansion,” Burgum said. “Ensuring that we have a complete count for Census 2020 is vital to our focused efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities that will attract and retain a 21st century workforce to fill the thousands of open jobs in our state.”

North Dakota’s estimated 2018 population was revised down to 758,080 residents from 760,077.  

“Revisions to past estimates tend to grow larger toward the end of the decade as the bureau is now working with old data,” said Kevin Iverson, Census Office manager at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. “These larger revisions point to the need for a new census, which happens in just three months.” 

The state’s Census 2020 Complete Count Task Force appointed by Burgum is working to get everyone in the state counted. The task force, led by co-chairs Louise Dardis and Linda Svihovec, has been working to achieve a complete count by educating the public on the need to participate in the process and supporting local efforts to raise awareness of the importance of the decennial census to the state’s future.  

“Getting everyone counted at this point is paramount,” Iverson said. “The impact that the census has on funding, political representation and a good base for statistical information on all areas of the state cannot be overstated.”  

With the estimate released today, North Dakota retains its status as the 47th most populous state, just ahead of Alaska and behind South Dakota.  

Since the last decennial census, North Dakota has been among the nation’s fastest-growing states, estimated to have grown by more than 13% since 2010. Only five states – Colorado, Florida, Texas, Utah and Arizona – are estimated to have grown by a higher percentage since 2010.  

“I expect we will retain our position as the nation’s fourth-youngest state and see a continued increase in diversity data on age, sex, race and ethnicity for 2019 when that data is released in mid-2020,” Iverson said.