#7: Vermont
Population: 625,721
Growth rate: 2.8%
Unemployment rate: 5.7%
For 130 years -- between 1830 and 1960 -- there was little change in the number of Vermont residents: The state gained fewer than 110,000 people (to 389,881) over that long period.
Growth rate: 2.8%
Unemployment rate: 5.7%
For 130 years -- between 1830 and 1960 -- there was little change in the number of Vermont residents: The state gained fewer than 110,000 people (to 389,881) over that long period.
After that, there was a four-decade growth spurt that saw the population rise by 56% to 608,827. Much of that was tied to the state's strong tourism sector.
But now, with discretionary income lower, the tourism industry is struggling to maintain its business. And the state is once again struggling to add residents.
NEXT: #8: Massachusetts
Last updated December 21 2010: 1:46 PM ET
