The U.S. Census Bureau just released the first look at the results from the 2020 Census. The U.S. population is now 331,449,281. The nation grew by 22,703,743 or 7.4% since 2010. This represents the second slowest decade of growth on record, just after 1930 to 1940 when the nation grew by 7.3%. Utah (+18.4%) was the fastest-growing state, followed by Idaho (17.3%) and Texas (15.9%). Three statesâWest Virginia (-3.2%), Mississippi (-0.2%), Illinois (-0.1%)âand Puerto Rico (-11.8%) lost population. Whatâs North Carolinaâs population? North Carolinaâs official population in the 2020 Census was 10,453,948. This is an increase of 903,905 or 9.5% since 2010. North Carolina had the 6th largest increase among the states and was the 15th fastest-growing state.