Census: State Grows, But Loses Congressional Seats

New York's population grew by 2.1 percent over the past decade to 19.4 million, according to figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

More people, but less clout in Congress, though, as the state will lose two seats in the House of Representatives as the nation's population continues to shift south and west.  

New York's share of the country's 435 House seats will fall from 29 to 27, continuing a downward trend that began in 1950. New York had 45 representatives in Congress in 1940.

Long Island representatives don't need to panic just yet, as experts have been predicting that the two seats will likely be lost upstate and in the New York City area.  That's a decision, however, that will be made by state legislators in Albany, after much political debate and backroom dealing as Democrats and Republicans each attempt to protect their own. 

The nation's overall population has risen by 9.8 percent since 2000, eclipsing the 300 million mark for the first time, with the official tally at 308,745,538.  New York's loss will be Texas' gain, as the Lone Star State will pick up four House seats. 

There will be an overall shift of 12 House seats affecting 18 states when the 113th Congress takes office in January 2013. 

New York was one of the five slowest growing states – along with Michigan, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Ohio – over the past decade. 

Patch will be digging deeper into the local data and publishing an entire package on the numbers throughout January.