The United States has a population of approximately 341 million people in 2025, making it the third most populous country in the world after India and China. Roughly one in every 24 people on Earth lives in the U.S., and it remains by far the most populous nation in the Western Hemisphere and the only Western country among the global top three.
How Many People Live in the United States?
At an estimated 341 million residents, the United States accounts for about 4.2% of the global population. It trails India (over 1.4 billion) and China (around 1.4 billion) but sits comfortably ahead of fourth-place Indonesia, which has roughly 280 million people. The population is spread across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several inhabited territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.
Population is highly uneven geographically. The most populous state, California, alone holds nearly 39 million people — more than Canada, Australia, or Poland. Texas and Florida follow, while Wyoming and Vermont each have well under a million residents. Overall density averages about 35 people per square kilometre, low by global standards because vast areas of Alaska, the Mountain West, and the Great Plains are sparsely settled.
Population Growth and Trends
The U.S. population is currently growing at roughly 0.53% per year, a moderate rate that has slowed sharply from the 1.2% annual growth seen in the 1990s. Two forces drive this growth: natural increase (births minus deaths) and net immigration. In recent years, immigration has become the larger contributor.
The native fertility rate has fallen to about 1.66 births per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to sustain a population without migration. Demographers project that without continued immigration, the U.S. would begin shrinking by the 2040s. As it stands, the Census Bureau expects the population to reach roughly 370 million by 2050 before growth flattens. An aging population is also reshaping these numbers, with the share of Americans over 65 rising steadily as the large Baby Boomer generation moves into retirement.
The Largest Cities
The three largest cities are New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. New York City has over 8.3 million residents within its limits and around 20 million across its metropolitan area, making it the nation's financial, cultural, and media capital. Los Angeles, with nearly 4 million people in the city and about 13 million in its metro, is the heart of the entertainment industry. Chicago, at roughly 2.7 million, anchors the Midwest as a transportation and commercial hub.
Importantly, the federal capital, Washington, D.C., is not among the largest cities — it has fewer than 700,000 residents. Fast-growing Sun Belt metros such as Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, and Atlanta have absorbed much of the country's recent population gains as Americans migrate south and west.
A Diverse and Multiethnic Society
The United States is one of the most ethnically diverse nations on Earth. Roughly 58% of residents identify as White (non-Hispanic), about 19% as Hispanic or Latino, 12% as Black, 6% as Asian, and around 5% as multiracial. The Hispanic and Asian populations are the fastest growing groups.
English is the dominant language, though the U.S. has no official language at the federal level. Spanish is spoken by roughly 41 million people as a first language. Christianity remains the majority religion at about 65%, but the share of religiously unaffiliated Americans has climbed past 29%. The country is also home to about 46 million foreign-born residents — more immigrants than any other nation — reflecting its long history as a destination for newcomers. For more background, see our united states country guide.
Key Population Facts
- Population (2025 estimate): approximately 341,000,000
- World rank: 3rd most populous country
- Annual growth rate: about 0.53%
- Population density: roughly 35 people per km²
- Median age: about 38.9 years
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Largest city: New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the United States the most populous country in the world?
No. The U.S. is the third most populous country, behind India and China, which each have over 1.4 billion people. However, it is the most populous country in the Western Hemisphere and the most populous developed nation.
What is the most populous U.S. state?
California is the most populous state with nearly 39 million residents, followed by Texas and Florida. California alone has a larger population than many entire countries, including Canada and Australia.
Why does the U.S. population keep growing despite low birth rates?
The American fertility rate of about 1.66 births per woman is below replacement level, so natural increase is shrinking. Immigration makes up the difference, accounting for the majority of recent population growth and keeping the overall trend positive.
How many people are projected to live in the U.S. by 2050?
The U.S. Census Bureau projects the population will reach roughly 370 million by 2050, with growth gradually slowing as the population ages and fertility remains low.