Washington County's population fell by 115 people from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released this week. Since 2000 the county's population has dropped about 2 percent, from 63,189 to 61,567 in 2008.
That's not great news, says Washington County Commissioner Steve Weber.
"A big loss of population could hurt us as well as cities like Marietta and Belpre that often depend on their population numbers for federal funding," he said. "That's why we want to make sure everyone gets counted in the upcoming 2010 census."
Noting that the figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week are only annual estimates, Weber said he believes the actual numbers from next year's census will show an increase in population, in spite of the current economic downturn.
"With the current economy people are also choosing to stay closer to home," he said. "It's tough now, but we're constantly working hard to bring new companies and new people here.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see the population up a little next census," Weber added. "I don't have any hard figures, but it seems to me that there are a lot of people moving back into Washington County. We'll just have to wait and see and make sure everyone's counted."
Belpre was the only Washington County city listed in the U.S. Census Bureau's latest estimates that actually gained in population between 2007 and 2008, from 6,506 to 6,528. Belpre's population in 2000 was 6,646.
Marietta Mayor Michael Mullen said that city's estimated loss of 10 people between 2007 and 2008 isn't a major drop, but it is a reduction.
"I would rather see a plus 10 versus a negative 10 population count, but it represents a small percentage drop," he said. "When you consider the current economy and job opportunities, I would be satisfied that we're able to hold our own over the last few years."
He noted that the city's income tax collection this year has been flat, but it has remained stable.
"In these very stressed times we're looking for stability, which equates to a stable tax base, and we seem to be holding our own there, too," Mullen said.
The Pioneer City's highest population since the turn of the century was in 2000 when Marietta had 14,628 people. Since then the census bureau's annual population estimates have fluctuated but generally dropped from 14,479 in 2001 to 14,307 in 2008.
Mullen said the area still has good quality of life selling points, including a low crime rate, great natural resources, and access from Interstate 77.
He projected that, based on population estimates for the last few years, the 2010 census will continue to show similar figures in the 14,200 to 14,300 range.
An informational meeting on the 2010 census is scheduled at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Washington County Job and Family Services Office, 1115 Gilman Ave. in Marietta.
The session is aimed at partnering with local governments, education, faith-based groups, businesses, media, and others to help ensure an accurate count of Washington County's population for the 2010 census.
Cynthia King, Southern Ohio partnership specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, will highlight key 2010 census events that may affect the local community. King will also offer information on ways to maximize the return of federal dollars to Washington County through a more accurate census count.
For more information, contact Tom Ballengee, 7400-373-5513, ext. 227.
