Sun Belt vs Rust Belt Population Growth
From 2000 to 2024, the Sun Belt grew by over 44 million people while the Rust Belt experienced stagnation. The Sun Belt — spanning the southern and southwestern U.S. — attracted residents with warmer climate, lower costs, and job growth, while the Rust Belt's industrial heartland saw population decline as manufacturing jobs moved overseas.
Data
| # | Year | Sun Belt (millions) | Rust Belt (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000 | 137.8 | 85.2 |
| 2 | 2005 | 146.5 | 85.8 |
| 3 | 2010 | 154.8 | 86.1 |
| 4 | 2015 | 164.2 | 86.0 |
| 5 | 2020 | 175.1 | 85.9 |
| 6 | 2024 | 182.4 | 85.5 |