As we wrap up 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau projects the U.S. population will be 335,893,238 on New Year’s Day, an annual increase of 1,759,535 or 0.53%. By comparison, just before the nation’s independence nearly 250 years ago, the 13 colonies had about 2.5 million residents, according to the American Battlefield Trust.

The combination of births, deaths and net international migration increases the U.S. population by one person every 24.2 seconds.

In January 2024, the United States is expected to experience a birth every 9.0 seconds and one death every 9.5 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 28.3 seconds. The combination of births, deaths and net international migration increases the U.S. population by one person every 24.2 seconds.

The projected world population on Jan. 1, 2024 is 8,019,876,189, up 75,162,541 (0.95%) from New Year’s Day 2023. During January 2024, 4.3 births and 2.0 deaths are expected worldwide every second.

Population Estimates from the U.S. and World Population Clock

The Census Bureau’s Population Clock displays simulated real-time growth of the U.S. and world populations. The U.S. clock shows the population by age (0 to 100+) and sex, and the most populous and highest density states, counties and cities. The world clock shows the most populous countries, as well as the top U.S. export and import partners.

Population Projections from the International Database

Created in the 1960s, the Census Bureau’s International Database (IDB) now produces population projections for 227 countries and equivalent areas, plus 15,237 subnational areas. Population size (by single year of age and sex) and components of change (fertility, mortality and migration) are available for each calendar year through 2100 (through 2060 for the United States).

Around 2025, the IDB Trends shows India passing China in total population (around 1.42B each) to become the world’s most populous country. The United States is expected to still be third with about 344 million people. However, Nigeria is projected to pass the United States around 2045 to become the world’s third most populous country with about 388 million people.

The IDB is an interactive data tool. Visit the Country Dashboard and view tables for six reports: Demographic Overview, Components of Population Growth, Fertility, Mortality, Migration and Custom Report. You can map numerous measures by these categories: Population, Fertility, Mortality and Migration.

Explore Population by Age in pyramids or tables. Lastly, consider trends by country from 1950 to 2100 (2060 for the U.S.).

When Did the World Population Reach 8 Billion?

Using data from the IDB, the Census Bureau estimates the world population hit 8 billion on September 26, 2023. The United Nations Population Division estimates this occurred on November 15, 2022.

Either way, population growth has been slowing since the 1960s. While it took 12.5 years for the world to go from 7 billion to 8 billion people, we project it will likely take 14.1 years to go from 8 billion to 9 billion, and 16.4 years to go from 9 billion to 10 billion, which could occur around 2055.

Derick C. Moore is a senior communications specialist in the Census Bureau’s Communications Directorate.