The Census Bureau announced today that the nation's population will rise 49% by 2050, down from an 87% gain during the prior 50 years. Historically population growth has been an important part of an economy's expansion and experts warn that slower growth could cause an economic downturn. However, slower growth also means it is easier to find jobs and may bring an increase in wages, benefits, and living conditions. Economists agree that the trend has wide reaching implications and policymakers need to plan for a future with fewer workers and more retirees.
See "Slower population growth could have dual impact", Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, March 18, 2004