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#274. Initial Census Reports – Biggest Winners

Posted on | The Agurban

Initial Census Reports – Biggest Winners

Have you returned your Census questionnaire yet? The official census day was Thursday, April 1, 2010. The latest numbers indicate that nearly 65% of Americans have filled out their survey and mailed it back. According to the Census Bureau, “for every percentage point increase in mail response, taxpayers will save an estimated $85 million in federal funds”. So take a few minutes to answer the 10 questions and return the survey.In the meantime, a CNNMoney report just released outlines the Biggest Winners (and Losers) in the 2010 Census. (Information becomes available, first, for the MSA’s, then later for the micropolitans and smaller towns. We will share out take on that as soon as it becomes available.) One benefit of population growth is the amount of federal dollars that a city can gain by the increased headcount. In addition, depending on the rest of the state, a gain in congressional seats may also occur.

This week we will give you the winners in order of largest expected population gain:

  1. Provo, UT – 47% population growth from 2000-2009; Utah will likely add one congressional seat, to a total of four. Leading the growth in Provo is an increase in families and family size. For every death, there were more than six births.
  2. Raleigh, NC – 41% population growth; not expected to add any congressional seats. Retirees looking for warmer climates and lower cost of living were settling in North Carolina instead of Florida.
  3. Las Vegas, NV – 38% population increase; likely add one congressional seat, to a total of 4. Population growth in the early years of the decade outweigh declines in the more recent years.
  4. Austin, TX – 36% population growth; could add up to 3 congressional seats to its present 32. Growth in Austin is primarily attributed to a diverse economy and low unemployment.
  5. Phoenix, AZ – 34% population growth; may add one congressional seat for a total of nine. Retirees looking for a warmer climate, as well as a continued influx of immigrants, contribute to population growth in Phoenix
Next week we will share with you the Biggest Losers in the Census count.