• News tips, submissions
• Questions, comments
• Contact webmaster

• Area continues to lead state in population growth

By RiverTown Staff

Recently released figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Wisconsin has gained 227,241 people since the 2000 census with an estimated population now at 5,374,399.

St. Croix County remains the fastest growing county in the state in percentage of growth and No. 3 in numerical increase.

"Certainly we see an out-migration from counties surrounding the Twin Cities," said David Egan-Robertson, a demographer with the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

"The Twin Cities metro is continuing to expand outward into St. Croix, Pierce and even Polk counties," he added.

According to Census Bureau figures, since 2000 St. Croix County has gained 17,976 people, a 28.5 percent increase which is almost double the 11.8 percent growth seen by Dane County.

Dane County is No. 2 in the state in percentage of growth, but first in numerical growth. Waukesha County was No. 2 in numerical growth.

St. Croix County is also one of the top 100 fastest growing counties in the state, according to the Census Bureau which estimates the county's population at 81,131.

It's not just St. Croix County showing growth.

Pierce County gained 2,773 residents showing an increase of 7.5 percent which was the tenth highest percentage of growth in the state. The county's population is now estimated at 39,577.

The county with the fourth highest percentage of growth in the state was Chippewa. There the population is estimated to have jumped from 55,197 in 2000 to 60,402 - a growth of 9.4 percent

For Polk County the percentage of growth since 2000 was 7.4, 13th highest in the state. That increased the county's population to an estimated 44,265 residents from 41,319 in 2000.

Pepin County has gained 170 residents since 2000 for an estimated total now of 7,383.

The population increase in Dunn County jumped 2.4 percent since 2000 - the 14th highest in the state. There the population increased by 2,471 residents to an estimated total of 42,329.

With a 4.6 percent increase in population Eau Claire County gained 4,266 residents and its population is now estimated at 97,406.

More population statistics can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau Web site at www.census.gov