Description of the Indicator
The Population Overview indicator highlights a trend of the region and state’s total populations from 1990 through the most recent release year from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey for 2022. These estimates account for births, deaths, and migration.
Why is it important?
Population estimates are used for state and local planning for resource allocation, and for social and economic development. Policymakers and planners use population estimates for programs and allocations of services such as education and healthcare. Estimates are also used to measure health and well-being as well as living conditions.
How is the region performing?
From 1990 to 2010, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties experienced population decreases of 4,602 and 7,231, respectively. Over the next decade, both counties saw slight increases in population and have remained steady from 2020-2022. Since 1990, Wayne County saw the most significant increase in population with an estimated 12,878 growth from the period 1990 to 2010 and minimal decrease of 1,667 over the next decade. Pennsylvania had an increase in population from 1990 to 2010 and reached its peak during the pandemic in 2020.