Pennsylvania Population

What should a student understand about Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?

• Population density is uniform across Pennsylvania.
• Urban concentration in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh does not eliminate Pennsylvania’s large rural areas.
• Statewide population growth means every local community must also be growing.
• Population rank cannot change if a state’s population increases.

How did Pennsylvania’s July 2025 population estimate compare with the 2020 Census count?

• Annual population estimates do not need a reference date.
• City-proper population and metropolitan population are interchangeable measures.
• Population rank cannot change if a state’s population increases.
• Pennsylvania’s July 1, 2025 population estimate was slightly higher than the 2020 Census count.

Which idea about Pennsylvania population is most accurate?

• Statewide population growth means every local community must also be growing.
• City-proper population and metropolitan population are interchangeable measures.
• A population estimate is the same as a decennial census count in method and reference date.
• A small statewide population increase can coexist with local population decline in some communities.