Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties buck the trend, report population growth

Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties all showed an increase in population year-to-year, based on recently released figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to excerpts from the story:

Ottawa County continues to grow in population, despite challenging economic conditions that caused 60 of 83 counties in Michigan to lose residents. The county’s population increased from 258,461 people in July 2007 to 260,364 residents in July 2008, according to the 2008 U.S. Census estimate released Thursday. That’s about a 1 percent increase in population year-to-year.

County officials said there was a net out-migration, but births were up. “We are pleased it’s in the positive,” said Al Vanderberg, county administrator.

Allegan County had a slight increase from 112,600 people in 2007 to 112,975 residents in 2008, statistics show. Officials said a number of townships in the county have seen growth. “That’s a good thing,” said Terry Burns, an Allegan County Commissioner representing Saugatuck.

Kent County saw a jump from 602,676 people in 2007 to 605,213 residents in 2008.

Read the complete story here.

 

 

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.