Census Bureau

Despite Trump's plan to favor American workers by restricting immigration, native-born unemployment has risen because falling demand and shrinking immigrant labor force combined with different wage expectations. Economists suggest that even if competition decreases for U.S.-born workers, these jobs are physically arduous and require wages too high for businesses to sustain.

California faces a housing shortage where high costs contribute significantly to poverty. While cities utilize 'inclusionary zoning'—requiring developers of market-rate housing to set aside low-income units—a UC Irvine study suggests this practice may backfire. Researchers found that inclusionary zoning acts as a tax on construction, reducing the overall supply of much-needed housing.

The U.S. set a record with 3.23 million business applications in the first half of 2026, a 12.1% increase from 2025. However, only 5.7% of these are projected to become payroll businesses within a year, sparking debate over whether the surge reflects genuine growth or filings for side projects, hobbies, or solo ventures. AI tools are enabling startups to operate with minimal staff, reducing immediate job creation.

States have shifted tax revenue sources from income and corporate taxes to sales taxes since 1990, disproportionately affecting low earners. While income tax cuts aim to attract workers, sales tax increases risk budget shortfalls and contradict public demands to tax the wealthy more. Louisiana's 2025 tax adjustments exemplify the instability of this strategy.

The 2023-24 school year saw K-12 public education in the U.S. receive $1 trillion in revenue, with 22% more inflation-adjusted funding than a decade prior despite a 1.1% decline in student numbers. Per-student spending varied widely, from over $30,000 in New York and D.C. to around $11,000-$12,000 in states like Idaho and Utah, while teacher salaries increased nominally but not in inflation-adjusted terms.

Democrats may vote this week on the preliminary order of their 2028 presidential primary calendar, with the final decision pending approval by the full Democratic National Committee in August. South Carolina, along with states like Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Nevada, is vying to hold the first contest, emphasizing diversity as a key factor. The party shifted its calendar process after the 2020 Iowa caucuses fiasco, favoring more racially representative states.

Florida's population growth slowed from 8.5% (2020-2024) despite historical migration driven by amenities and tax policies. A proposed 2026 property tax amendment aims to expand homestead exemptions, relying on continued in-migration to offset revenue losses. Census data analysis suggests migration patterns may no longer support the state's fiscal assumptions.

US homeowners and renters face rising housing costs, with property taxes up 31% and insurance premiums up 72% since 2019. Half of renters are cost-burdened, and high mortgage rates and inflation are keeping households from moving. Local governments are seeking solutions as construction slows and vacancies rise.

Trump officials are limiting the Census Bureau's methods to protect privacy when releasing statistics, potentially reducing new public data for redistricting and other uses. This push aims to cut 'statistical noise' but may result in less available data.

Texas is experiencing significant population growth and economic expansion, with residents generating higher wealth per capita despite the influx. The state added 419,000 residents between 2024-2025, achieved $2.9 trillion in economic output in 2025, and created over 82,000 jobs, driven by low taxes and business-friendly policies.

Texas is experiencing significant population growth and rising economic output per resident, with nearly 419,000 new residents added in 2024-2025 and $2.9 trillion in economic output in 2025. The state's economy is expanding faster than its population, driven by job creation, low taxes, and business-friendly policies.

The article ranks U.S. states by the earnings gap between adults with a bachelor's degree and those with some college or an associate degree. California has the largest gap (58.5%), while South Dakota has the smallest (17.1%), with urban states showing wider disparities than rural economies reliant on industries like agriculture and manufacturing.

Construction spending on data centers surpassed public spending on transportation, according to the April construction-spending report from the Census Bureau. This marks a notable milestone in infrastructure investment priorities.

The Carolinas are experiencing a population boom due to high-paying job opportunities and relative affordability, with North Carolina seeing the highest net domestic migration in 2023 and South Carolina being the fastest-growing state by percentage. The region's diverse employment landscape and lower living costs have created a powerful draw for those living in more expensive coastal hubs. This growth comes as several traditionally blue states struggle to return to pre-pandemic population levels.

U.S. consumers showed resilience with strong retail sales and employment data, supported by rising wages and a low-layoff job market. However, challenges like rising energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and market volatility could impact future consumer spending.