On December 19, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau released annual population estimates for U.S. States and Puerto Rico for July 1, 2023. According to the release, Massachusetts gained in population from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023 – reversing a pattern of population loss that had been observed since the 2020 Census count and restoring the state population to over 7 million for the first time since 2020. The state population increased by 18,659 over the year, from 6,982,740 to 7,001,399, for a percentage increase of 0.27%.

In terms of national rankings, Massachusetts ranked 16th in population size (out of 50 states plus District of Columbia), 31st in percent population change from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, and 43rd in cumulative percent population change since the 2020 Census. See the dashboard below for more detail on how the Massachusetts population estimates compare to other states.

As part of this annual release, the U.S. Census Bureau produces revised population estimates each year by adding updated components of change to the Census 2020 base. From July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, Massachusetts experienced 68,387 births and 61,404 deaths, for a positive net natural change of 6,983. At the same time, Massachusetts experienced a net outflow of -39,149 persons to other states in the U.S. and a net inflow of 50,647 persons from other countries, for a positive net migration of 11,498 persons. See the dashboard below for more information on the Massachusetts components of change estimates.

For more information about the Vintage 2023 state-level population estimates, download the full UMDI report below.