Fairfield County population on the rise

Fairfield County's population is growing at one of the fastest rates in the state, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau released Thursday.

The county's population has increased by 2.9 percent, about 4,225 people, since the 2010 census — the sixth highest percentage in the state. The county grew by 1,584 people between 2013 and 2014 alone — the fourth highest percentage statewide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

The population gain came from nearly 2,000 people moving to the area, and babies born during those four years.

Fairfield County's population was 150,381 in 2014 compared to 146,156 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

During that time, Hocking County and Perry County lost population, 2.2 percent and 0.7 percent respectively. However, Licking, Pickaway and Franklin counties saw population growth.

The state's population increased by 0.5 percent between 2010 and 2014 — a gain of about 59,700 people. Ohio's growth was fueled by babies born during those four years, which offset the population losses from nearly 51,000 people moving out of the state. Ohio was one of 13 states that loss population to migration over those four years.

Ohio had the seventh smallest growth in the nation. North Dakota had the biggest gains, growing by nearly 10 percent since 2010. West Virginia was the only state to lose population over those four years.

That sluggish growth could be problematic when congressional districts are reapportioned based on 2020 population. Ohio lost two seats following the 2010 census and has lost eight seats since 1973.

Some of Ohio's urban areas increased in population while others dropped. Population in Columbus' Franklin County has increased by 5.8 percent since the 2010 census. Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati, increased by 0.5 percent. Akron's Summit County remained the same. However, population declined by 1.5 percent in Lucas County, which includes Toledo, and 1.6 percent in Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland.

jbalmert@gannett.com

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