In 2018, population growth in the Rural Capital Area continued to be led by in-migration, with 26,300 net new persons moving in from other parts of the US and 1,600 from abroad.  Births reached an all-time high of 12,200 in 2018.

Population growth was led by strong increases in middle-age groups: 8,600 new persons were added between the ages of 35 to 49.  This age group grew 4% in the region, versus just 0.5% growth in the US.  Still, retirees are the fastest growing segment of the population, with individuals aged 70-84 growing at 8% per year.