diff --git a/python/housing_data/build_states.py b/python/housing_data/build_states.py
index cd6f2f4..e16fc98 100644
--- a/python/housing_data/build_states.py
+++ b/python/housing_data/build_states.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ def load_states(data_repo_path: Path) -> pd.DataFrame:
     states_df = load_bps_all_years_plus_monthly(data_repo_path, "state")
 
     population_df = state_population.get_state_population_estimates(
-        data_repo_path / STATE_POPULATION_DIR if data_repo_path else None
+        data_repo_path / STATE_POPULATION_DIR
     )
 
     states_df = states_df.merge(