Through the 1800s and early 1900s, massive waves of immigration contributed to dramatic population growth in the United States.
The nation’s population increased from approximately 5 million people in 1800 to 76 million by 1900. Today, that number has grown to over 340 million.
Where Americans live has shifted significantly over time. Until the late 1800s, most Americans lived in rural areas. Many lived and worked on farms. By 1920, urban populations exceeded rural populations. And by the 1950s, many Americans were relocating to suburban areas – communities situated on the outskirts of major cities.
