Fact Check: The population was down 58,138 compared with the same month last year, with an average daily decrease of 159.28 people.

Fact Check: "The population was down 58,138 compared with the same month last year, with an average daily decrease of 159.28 people."

What We Know

The claim states that the population decreased by 58,138 compared to the same month last year, with an average daily decrease of 159.28 people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population trends are returning to pre-pandemic norms, and while the nation gained more than 1.6 million people in the past year, some regions, particularly the Northeast, experienced population declines. Specifically, the Northeast's population declined by 43,330 in 2023, which is significantly less than the 216,576 decline in 2022, indicating a trend of reduced population loss in that region.

The Population Clock provides real-time estimates of the U.S. population, which can fluctuate daily based on various factors including births, deaths, and migration. However, the specific figure of 58,138 as a year-over-year decline for a specific month is not directly supported by the available data.

Analysis

The claim's accuracy hinges on the specific context of the population decline mentioned. The 2023 National Population Projections indicate that the U.S. population is projected to grow overall, but individual states and regions may see fluctuations. The reported decline of 58,138 people could be plausible if it refers to a specific month in a specific state or region, particularly in areas like New York or Illinois, which have seen population losses.

However, the average daily decrease of 159.28 people is not substantiated by the Census Bureau's reports. The data indicates that while some areas are losing population, the overall national trend is one of growth, with a net gain of 1.6 million people in the last year. This suggests that the claim may misrepresent the broader context of population trends across the country.

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources used to support the claim is high, as they originate from the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a reputable and authoritative source for demographic data. However, the lack of specificity regarding the timeframe and geographic focus of the population decline makes it difficult to fully verify the claim.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim regarding a population decline of 58,138 and an average daily decrease of 159.28 people lacks sufficient context and specificity to be fully verified. While there are indications of population loss in certain regions, the overall national trend is one of growth, and the specific figures mentioned do not align with the broader data available from credible sources.

Fact Check: The population was down 58,138 compared with the same month last year, with an average daily decrease of 159.28 people.