Bucks County sees moderate growth since 2020, outpacing rural areas

Bucks County added an estimated 3,616 residents between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2024, bringing the total population to approximately 650,131—a 0.6% increase, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data and The Advance of Bucks County.

Overall Trends:

• Bucks County’s growth rate mirrors the statewide trend in Pennsylvania, which also rose by about 0.6% over the same period, per PSATS.
• The county is part of the Philadelphia metro area, which accounted for over half of Pennsylvania’s growth since 2019, according to Axios.
• Annual figures from the Federal Reserve show steady increases: 646,190 (2020) and peaking at 650,131 in 2024.

Fastest-Growing Boroughs/Townships (2020–2024):

• Dublin: +4.69% to 2,278 residents
• Hilltown: +4.08% (now 16,950)
• Chalfont: +3.78% (~4,415)
• Richland: +3.37% (~14,300)
• Lower Makefield: +3.13% (~34,216)
• Warrington: +2.62% (~26,305)
• Plumstead: +2.47% (~14,363)
• Perkasie: +2.45% (~3,938)
• Bristol Borough: +1.25% (~9,982)
• Springfield: +1.18% (~5,235)
  

Municipalities with The Largest Decline:

• Tullytown: –0.88% (2,258)
• Sellersville: –0.85% (4,538)
• Quakertown: –0.82% (9,302)
• Upper Southampton: –0.80% (15,169)
• Others include Richlandtown, Riegelsville, New Britain Borough, Morrisville, Falls, and Ivyland.

According to the Census and The Advance of Bucks County, Bucks stands out in eastern Pennsylvania, a region that has generally experienced modest growth while rural western counties often declined.

Its growth, although modest, contrasts with Pennsylvania’s rural areas, which have seen natural population decline (more deaths than births), partially offset by net in-migration, per the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

Neighboring Montgomery County saw higher population gains ( about 5%), while Bucks County grew more slowly, but steadily.

Looking ahead, Bucks County remains a key anchor of growth in the Philadelphia metro area, supported by in-migration and suburban demand. As Pennsylvania’s birth rate lags behind its death rate, future growth will rely heavily on attracting new residents.