12/23/2009
Louisiana Experiences Third Consecutive Year Of Population In-Migration
Latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveal more
people are moving into Louisiana than moving out
BATON ROUGE, La. -- The U.S. Census Bureau recently released
population figures, indicating that Louisiana experienced the third
consecutive year of more people moving into the state than moving
out. Prior to this three-year run, Louisiana had gone more than two
decades without experiencing a single year of net population
in-migration.
"This is great news and one more sign that Louisiana's economy
continues to outperform the South and the nation," said Gov. Bobby
Jindal. "Research has shown that people most frequently move from
one state to another in pursuit of rewarding jobs and business
opportunities. Louisiana increasingly is offering both because we
have made economic development our top priority since day one in
office.
"Our aggressive focus on preserving our existing jobs and
attracting new jobs is resulting in increases in our national
rankings, improvements in our business climate, population
in-migration and most importantly more good job opportunities for
our people. Indeed, we've created a New Louisiana by pursuing
fiscally responsible policies and holding the line on taxes, which
is creating opportunity for our people. We must continue on this
path to make sure that all of our sons and daughters can pursue
their dreams right here at home."
From July 2008 to July 2009, 18,100 more people moved into
Louisiana than moved out of Louisiana, according to the U.S. Census
Bureau. Louisiana's population increased by 40,600 from July 2008
to July 2009, which is a 0.9 percent increase over the previous
year. In terms of total population growth, Louisiana was the 21st
fastest growing state in the country from July 2008 to July
2009.
From July 2007 to July 2008, approximately 17,800 more people
moved into Louisiana than moved out of Louisiana. From July 2006 to
July 2007, approximately 33,400 more people moved into Louisiana
than moved out of Louisiana. Prior to the July 2006 to July 2007
time period, Louisiana had not experienced positive population
in-migration for more than two decades.
Louisiana's economy has outperformed the South and the U.S.
since the beginning of the recession. Unemployment rates in
Louisiana have remained well below those in the South and the U.S.
for every month of the recession; and employment levels have held
up better in Louisiana than in the South and U.S. overall.
"As long as Louisiana's economy continues to outperform the
South and the U.S. overall, we are likely to see these positive
population migration trends continue," said Louisiana Economic
Development Secretary Stephen Moret. "Accordingly, we will continue
our efforts to increase Louisiana's economic competitiveness,
implement robust workforce solutions, retain our existing
businesses and industry, cultivate small business growth and
aggressively attract new business investment, so that we can
position Louisiana to outperform the South and the U.S. on a
regular basis."
In addition to the recent Census data, Mayflower Transit's "2009
Customer Relocation Study" revealed that Louisiana ranked 11th best
overall when comparing inbound relocations to outbound relocations
from January 2009 to August 2009; and United Van Lines' 2009
mid-year migration analysis ranked Louisiana sixth best overall and
second best in the South when comparing inbound shipments to
outbound shipments from January 2009 to June 2009.
