According to the 2020 U.S. Census, which state experienced the largest percentage population decline from 2010 to 2020?

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, which state experienced the largest percentage population decline from 2010 to 2020?

• A. Michigan
• B. West Virginia
• C. Illinois
• D. Alabama

Answer: (B)

The question focuses on comparing how much a state’s population shrank, in percentage terms, from 2010 to 2020. To find the percent decline, take the difference between the 2010 and 2020 populations, divide by the 2010 population, and multiply by 100. For West Virginia, the 2010 count was about 1.853 million and the 2020 count was about 1.794 million. The drop is roughly 59 thousand people, which is about 3.2% of the 2010 population. Among the states listed, Illinois saw a smaller decline (roughly 2%), while Michigan and Alabama either grew or did not decline as much. Therefore, West Virginia has the largest percentage decrease over the decade.

The question focuses on comparing how much a state’s population shrank, in percentage terms, from 2010 to 2020. To find the percent decline, take the difference between the 2010 and 2020 populations, divide by the 2010 population, and multiply by 100.

For West Virginia, the 2010 count was about 1.853 million and the 2020 count was about 1.794 million. The drop is roughly 59 thousand people, which is about 3.2% of the 2010 population. Among the states listed, Illinois saw a smaller decline (roughly 2%), while Michigan and Alabama either grew or did not decline as much. Therefore, West Virginia has the largest percentage decrease over the decade.