Iowa sees bump in state population

Iowa's population grew by about 12,500 in the last year, according to estimates the U.S. Census Bureau released this week, keeping with the slow and steady growth the state has typically experienced.

The largest increase came from what census officials call a 'natural increase” - the net number of births versus deaths in the state. That figure accounted for about 9,600 of the overall growth, about 77 percent, while the remaining increase represents people who have moved in from elsewhere.

Iowa's overall population of 3.15 million residents has remained fairly flat since the last U.S. Census count in 2010.

This year, Iowa ranks 31st in terms of year-over-year migration and 29th for natural increase among all 50 states.

Based on the current numbers, Iowa is expected to retain its four U.S. House seats - which are based on population - after the 2020 census, according to a report issued Thursday by Election Data Services, a Virginia-based consulting firm.