The headcount of the US federal government has barely increased since 1970 despite a two-thirds increase in population.
Given the dramatic expansion in the population of the US, the relatively stable level of federal employment, is remarkable. US population in 1950 was 150 million - 2 million Federal employes. US population in 1970 was 203 million - 3 million federal employees. US population in 1990 was 250 million - just over 3 million federal employees. US population in 2024 was 335 million - just over 3 million federal employees.
Source: USA Facts