New findings from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that rumors of Massachusetts’ demise have been greatly exaggerated, as the statewide population increased by about 129,561 residents over the past three years.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that much of that growth has come despite year-over-year population declines in two of the Bay State’s most recognizable regions — Cape Cod and The Berkshires.
According to federal population estimates released last week, the state’s population grew by around 2 percent to 6.65 million residents from 2010 through 2013. The median growth rate among cities and towns was 1 percent, with the largest expansion recorded in Cohasset (up 10 percent) and the steepest decline of 2 percent shared among four towns: Williamstown, North Adams, Hinsdale and Adams.
Boston, the state’s largest municipality by population, also posted the largest population gain of 25,515 residents. That equated to roughly one out of every five residents added statewide during the three-year period analyzed by the Census. The city ended 2013 with approximately 646,000 residents.
The city of Somerville added the second-most residents, growing by 2,981 people, or 4 percent. Newton and Cambridge rounded out the top four with 2,566 and 2,369 new residents, respectively.
The city of Pittsfield lost the most residents with a decline of 653 people, or around 1 percent of its 44,000-strong population.
Use the drop-down menu below to search population data or CLICK HERE to access an interactive heat map detailing Massachusetts’ population changes.