Arizona tops 7 million people for first time

Arizona added more than 107,600 net new residents over the past year, topping the 7 million population mark for the first time, according to the latest government estimate.

Arizona also tied for the fifth-fastestgrowing state, gaining population at a rate of 1.6 percent. The total resident count grew to 7.02 million residents in 2017 from 6.91 million in 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which tracked changes from July 1 to July 1 both years.

Idaho was the nation’s fastest-growing state, increasing at a rate of 2.2 percent. Nevada was next, followed by Utah, Washington and then Arizona, which tied with Florida.

The U.S. population rose to 325.7 million as of mid-2017, up 2.3 million residents for the year.

California remained the nation’s most populous state with 39.54 million residents, followed by Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

Arizona’s increase of 107,600 residents was the seventh-biggest numeric change. Texas, with 399,700 net new residents, led in this measure.

Arizona ranked 14th in total population both this year and last. Washington, with 7.41 million residents, is the state just ahead of Arizona.

Eight states lost population over the year, led by a drop of 1 percent in Wyoming, though Illinois had the biggest numeric decrease — a decline of 33,700 net residents.