Community Corner
Gwinnett Leads Metro Region in Population Growth
Officials pleased with growth rate in light of economic downturn.
The 10-county metro Atlanta region continues to attract newcomers despite the ongoing recession.
According to a press release from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the region added approximately 34,550 people between April 1, 2010 and April 1, 2011. Gwinnett County led the region adding 8,779 residents followed by Fulton with 7,619 and Cobb with 5,522. All 10 metro area counties -- Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale -- experienced growth during the year. The population estimates will remain unofficial until adopted by the ARC on Aug. 24.
“Although slower, this pace is impressive in the face of the economic pressures we face,” said Tad Leithead, ARC Chairman. “This gives us a chance to catch our breath, while we plan for the more rapid growth we project, and which we’ve experienced during the last two decades.”
Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Population growth has averaged approximately 30,000 a year for the past three years compared to more than 100,000 each year between 2000 and 2007. According to ARC officials, the slower than normal growth rate of the past few years is comparable to what other metro areas have experienced since the start of the recession.
“When job opportunities are scarce, people are less likely to move,” said Mike Alexander, Chief of ARC’s Research Division. “And, with property values declining and financing more difficult to obtain, fewer people are able to sell their homes and move to a different metro area.”
Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Over 4.1 million people now call the metro Atlanta area home making it more populous than 24 states.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.