New Population Estimates Out

[Phizzy]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, despite a drop from the 2000 Census of 197,800, the City of Grand Rapids gained 200+ residents from 2007 - 2008.

Biggest Area Gainers from 2007 - 2008 


							   2007	   2008	

							 Estimate   Estimate		 Gain  

Allendale Charter Township	18,334	 18,910	 +576	 +3.1%

Byron Township				20,844	 21,106	 +262	 +1.3%

Holland Charter Township	  34,091	 34,343	 +252	 +0.7%

Wyoming					   70,231	 70,462	 +231	 +0.3%

Kentwood					  47,193	 47,419	 +226	 +0.5%

Grand Haven Charter Township  15,579	 15,799	 +220	 +1.4%

Grand Rapids				 193,187	193,396	 +209	 +0.1%

Georgetown Charter Township   45,234	 45,416	 +182	 +0.4%

Cascade Charter Township	  16,851	 17,022	 +171	 +1.0%

Ada Township				  12,001	 12,154	 +153	 +1.3%

Biggest Area Gainers from 2000 - 2008 


							   2000	   2008	

							  Census	Estimate		 Gain  

Allendale Charter Township	13,042	 18,910	+5,868   +45.0%

Holland Charter Township	  28,911	 34,343	+5,432   +18.8%

Gaines Charter Township	   20,112	 24,352	+4,240   +21.1%

Georgetown Charter Township   41,658	 45,416	+3,758   + 9.0%

Byron Township				17,536	 21,106	+3,570   +20.4%

Caledonia Township			 8,964	 12,199	+3,235   +36.1%

Grand Haven Charter Township  13,278	 15,799	+2,521   +19.0%

Ada Township				   9,877	 12,154	+2,277   +23.1%

Kentwood					  45,259	 47,419	+2,160   + 4.8%

Algoma Township				7,590	  9,534	+1,944   +25.6%

[suydam]

Can you post a URL so we can browse other data from this report?

I saw a similar estimate about Detroit in June, but a cursory examination of the census website didn't turn up anything useful.

[tamias6]

Considering the State's population hemorrhage, glad to hear that GR is gaining population. Looks like all the surrounding communities on the list gained as well. If West Michigan can do all that it can to keep its unemployment rate from growing any further and attract high quality jobs we just might keep our numbers where they belong....right here. Though my biggest concerns for GR proper is its staff cuts on Police and Fire and the continuing struggles of it school system. These things may make people a bit nervous about living in GR.

[Phizzy]

Can you post a URL so we can browse other data from this report?

I saw a similar estimate about Detroit in June, but a cursory examination of the census website didn't turn up anything useful.

[RegalTDP]

Keep in mind that the July 2007-08 period was before the financial crisis erupted. The annual unemployment rates for 2007 and 2008 were 6.0 and 7.2, respectively. So far in 2009 every month has been over 10.0. We won't see the effect of the economy on the population until next year's estimate.

[Phizzy]

Keep in mind that the July 2007-08 period was before the financial crisis erupted. The annual unemployment rates for 2007 and 2008 were 6.0 and 7.2, respectively. So far in 2009 every month has been over 10.0. We won't see the effect of the economy on the population until next year's estimate.

[Allison Slater]

I think I recall seeing from the latest economic report and increase in both unemployment and in jobs in the GR-Wyoming area. Considering most of the state is worse off with unemployment and Grand Rapids is adding jobs, is it possible that people are moving here from elsewhere in the state and that the population increase may be positive or near-positive again? I've long suspected that job competition here isn't with just Grand Rapidians ourselves.

[zenstyle]

Marketplace just aired a good story on Social Compact, an organization that helps right the (infuriatingly predictable) undercount.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display...social_compact/

[arcturus]

I think I recall seeing from the latest economic report and increase in both unemployment and in jobs in the GR-Wyoming area. Considering most of the state is worse off with unemployment and Grand Rapids is adding jobs, is it possible that people are moving here from elsewhere in the state and that the population increase may be positive or near-positive again? I've long suspected that job competition here isn't with just Grand Rapidians ourselves.

[joeDowntown]

Glass half full or half empty? Still outpacing the state and better poised to bounce back when the economy does. I consider that half full.

Joe

GR isn't adding jobs, its losing jobs slightly less than the state average.