Georgia had 2nd largest spike in foreign-born population among all states, says US Census Bureau

The percent of U.S. residents who were foreign-born last year grew to its highest level in more than a century and Georgia's rate was among the highest.
A man, part of a group of 50 new United States citizens from 25 different countries, takes part in a naturalization ceremony before the San Diego Padres host the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game at Petco Park, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

The percent of U.S. residents who were foreign-born last year grew to its highest level in more than a century, according to figures released Thursday from the most comprehensive survey of American life.

The share of people born outside the United States increased in 2023 to 14.3% from 13.9% in 2022, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual American Community Survey, which tracks commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service, and employment, among other topics.

Among the states with the largest year-over-year bumps in the foreign-born population was Delaware, going to 11.2% from 9.9%; Georgia, to 11.6% from 10.7%; and New Mexico, to 10.2% from 9.3% The share of the foreign-born population dropped slightly in the District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Oregon.