LISTEN: Maryland’s Population Soars

WASHINGTON–A surge in immigration helped raise Maryland's population last year — but experts also want to take a closer look at why thousands of people are leaving the state.

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New Census Bureau figures show Maryland's overall population grew by nearly 40,000 in the year ending last June 30th. But that increase would have been all-but-erased if not for the number of immigrants coming to the state.

An estimated 15,000 residents packed up and moved away during that time. Experts quoted in the Baltimore Sun say they will be eager to see the county-by-county breakdown next spring, to try to determine why people are leaving.

Republican Governor-elect Larry Hogan repeatedly made the point during his campaign this year that high taxes were driving people out of Maryland.