A map reveals the U.S. states with the fastest-growing prison populations.

The data comes from a new study that identified Mississippi as the state with the highest increase in incarceration rates, with a significant rise of 14.5 percent over the course of a year. This finding is part of a broader trend that saw the total number of prisoners nationwide grow by 2.1 percent, according to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics which analyzed incarceration rates in each state from 2021 to 2022.

The national prisoner population increased by 25,056 from 2021 to 2022, bringing the total to 1,230,143 inmates. This rise included 82.8 percent male and 17.2 percent female prisoners. The data, sourced from the National Prisoner Statistics program, highlights a concerning trend of growing incarceration rates across several states.

A stock photo shows barbed wire in a prison. A new study has revealed which states have the fastest-growing prison populations. A stock photo shows barbed wire in a prison. A new study has revealed which states have the fastest-growing prison populations. FooTToo/Getty

Mississippi experienced the most significant jump in its prison population, increasing from 17,332 to 19,802 inmates. This 14.5 percent rise included a dramatic 31.1 percent increase in female prisoners, compared to a 13 percent increase in male prisoners. These figures underline the disparities in incarceration rates between genders within the state.

Other states also saw substantial increases in their incarceration rates. Montana recorded an 8.8 percent rise, with 54 more women and 324 more men incarcerated, bringing their total prison population to 4,691. Colorado followed with an 8.2 percent increase, with the number of female inmates rising by 10.7 percent and male inmates by 8 percent. Tennessee and Minnesota both saw a 7.9 percent rise in their prison populations.

Top Five States With Year-on-Year Increase in Incarceration Rates:

  1. Mississippi: 14.5% increase (Women: 31.1%, Men: 13%)
  2. Montana: 8.8% increase (Women: 54, Men: 324)
  3. Colorado: 8.2% increase (Women: 10.7%, Men: 8%)
  4. Tennessee: 7.9% increase
  5. Minnesota: 7.9% increase

In contrast to the rising incarceration rates in some states, others have seen significant reductions. Virginia leads with a 10.5 percent decrease in its prison population, reducing the number from 30,357 to 27,162 inmates. This reduction includes 402 fewer women and 2,793 fewer men in prison.

Oregon ranks second with a 5.2 percent decrease, followed by California with a 3.8 percent reduction. New Mexico and Massachusetts also saw decreases of 3.6 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

Top Five States With Year-on-Year Decrease in Incarceration Rates:

  1. Virginia: 10.5% decrease (Women: -402, Men: -2,793)
  2. Oregon: 5.2% decrease (Women: -34, Men: -646)
  3. California: 3.8% decrease (Women: -184, Men: -3,649)
  4. New Mexico: 3.6% decrease (Women: -37, Men: -147)
  5. Massachusetts: 2.4% decrease (Women: 25, Men: -172)

The study, conducted by H&P Law, underscores the growing divide in how states manage their prison populations. While some states are seeing alarming increases in incarceration rates, others are successfully reducing their prison numbers through various reforms. The findings highlight the need for a nationwide dialogue on the best practices for managing and reducing incarceration rates, focusing on rehabilitation and supportive measures over punitive approaches.

Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about incarcertaion? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.