February 7, 2006

Nevada, Arizona Likely to lead population growth

Population growth in the Western states will continue strong in 2006 and 2007, according to the newest projections from the Western Blue Chip Economic Forecast consensus panel.

"Newly released population growth estimates for 2005 confirmed what Western economic analysts have come to expect - Nevada once again led the nation in the rate of increase, with a 3.51 percent gain, followed closely by Arizona with 3.47 percent," said Lee McPheters, contributing editor. "In terms of numbers, this represents an increase of 81,909 residents for Nevada and 199,413 for Arizona."

The top 10 population growth states in 2005 were, in order from the top: Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Florida, Utah, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Delaware, and (tied for 10 th place) Colorado and Oregon.

Population growth will continue strong in 2006, according to current projections from the Western Blue Chip forecasters. "Nevada's role as the national growth leader seems secure, with expected gains of 3.8 percent," according to McPheters. "Arizona's growth will return to the 3.0 percent range. But all Western states are projected to exceed the most likely national rate of increase of about 1.0 percent."

The current issue of the Western Blue Chip Economic Forecast features the first forecasts for 2007. The monthly newsletter publishes the consensus forecasts of panels of economists in 10 Western states. Panelists are drawn from leading firms, universities and state agencies. The publication also features historical data for each state.

The Western Blue Chip Economic Forecast is published 10 times a year by the Bank One Economic Outlook Center, an affiliate of the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. The cost is $110 for 10 print issues ($99 for e-mail subscription). For subscription information, call (800) 448-0432.