March 21, 2008
Cherokee Tribune
Barbara P. Jacoby
Cherokee now among top 20 fastest growing counties in nation
Cherokee’s population has cracked 200,000, according to new data, propelling it to become the 18th fastest-growing county in the nation.
The population boomed to 204,363 by last July from 194,082 in July of 2006 — a change of 10,281 people and a 5.3-percent increase, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in a new report released Thursday.
The addition of an average of 28 new people a day helped boost the county to No. 18 on the bureau’s list of the 100 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. with populations greater than 10,000.
Cherokee is the sixth-highest ranked Georgia county on the list, following Forsyth, Paulding, Jackson, Barrow and Newton. Forsyth came in at No. 8 nationally, with 7.2 percent growth, totaling 10,607 residents.
Between April of 2000 and last July, Cherokee added 62,460 residents for a growth rate of 44 percent, ranking it No. 21 on the national list for that period, up from No. 24 in last year’s report.
For the seven-year period, Cherokee also is the sixth-highest ranked Georgia county, following Forsyth, Paulding, Henry, Newton and Barrow. Forsyth again ranks at No. 8 with 61.5 percent growth, totaling 60,507 new residents.
“To use a demographer term, Cherokee’s population growth is just honkin’ on,” said Doug Bachtel, an expert demographer and University of Georgia professor. “It’s just fantastic impressive growth.”
While the growth rate has slowed from the 5.9 percent estimated for July of 2005 to July of 2006 — during which time 10,967 people joined the county’s population — that dip is just a blip and not a caution sign, Bachtel said.
“Even in recessionary times, we’re slowing down, but not as fast as in other places,” he said, noting that Georgia as a whole boasts an economic advantage. “The economy’s pretty diversified. We tend to grow in good times and in bad times… we may not be doing so good, but we’re doing better than Michigan and the Midwest.”
The new census data also breaks down factors that lead to population growth.
Between July 2006 and last July, Cherokee saw more births, with 3,575 as compared to 3,047 the previous year, and deaths, with 1,048 as compared to 963.
Fewer people relocated to Cherokee from other counties and states, with 7,363 moving in between July 2006 and last July, as compared to 8,490 the previous year, as well as from other countries, with 463 as compared to 521.
Bachtel said he thinks jobs, housing and schools will keep people coming to Cherokee, and likely have during the months since last July, but other factors may dry up the stream.
“We’ve had phenomenal growth, but we’re still not trying to slow it down yet, but the drought may be doing that,” he said, noting that if crime rises or schools fail, interest also would lag. “Things like that could put the kabash on growth, as most migrants are young and in their child-rearing years.”
County Manager Jerry Cooper said the results “paint a positive picture.”
“Moving up on the national list sends a positive message to the country and region that Cherokee County offers an excellent quality of life,” he said, noting it’s especially significant that the county is remaining so popular despite the economic slowdown.
Cooper said the county’s draws include area job availability, “excellent” schools, comparably low taxes, “more house for the dollar,” a low crime rate and amenities like shopping and entertainment both at home and in Atlanta.
County Chamber of Commerce President Pam Carnes said the increase in births tells another important story.
“Folks who previously moved in as a younger population are settling in and have opted to make this their home where they’ll raise their family,” she said. “Now the challenge is we have to be able to keep up with the growth: provide a place for those people to live, for kids to go to school and provide police, fire and amenities.”
Despite the challenges, Mrs. Carnes said Cherokee is fortunate to be faced with them.
“When we increase our population by 10,000 people — there are communities that don’t increase by that much in the history of the community, some don’t even have that population,” she said. “People will want to learn more about this area and why 10,000 more people decided to call this area home.”