State Polices Impact Population Growth

According to the latest Census Bureau numbers, the U.S. population grew by 9.7% over the past decade, i.e., from 2000 to 2010. That actually was the slowest increase since the Great Depression decade of 1930 to 1940.

It's no mere coincidence that population growth slows when economic growth slows. And the past decade experienced below-average economic growth. A key factor is that a poor economy fails to attract international immigrants. Less economic opportunity means less incentive to come to the Land of Opportunity.

But when broken down by state, public policies matter as well, given their impact on the economy...

Read the full SBE Council Cybercolumn by chief economist Ray Keating here.