Census: NYC Nearly Back to Population Peak, LI Barely Growing 

"New York’s population has yet to fully recover, but new census data released on Thursday reveals that it is finally growing again after a steep drop. It reached 8.48 million in July 2024, up from 8.39 million in July 2023," reported The New York Times. "The increase was seen as a positive sign that the population of America’s largest city had not only stabilized but seemed on track to resume the extended trend of growth seen before the pandemic, according to demographic and policy experts."

"Long Island posted modest population gains between 2023 and 2024, with the biggest drivers being international migration and births outpacing deaths, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday," Newsday reported.

Housing costs are often cited as the top reason for moving out of the region, or why potential residents and businesses chose another destination instead.