The data was released Thursday morning. (See first link below.)
According to the report, Hall County's population grew by 2,451 between July 2011 and July 2012, from 182,965 to 185,416 just over one percent (.013). On the other hand, the population of Forsyth County, as of July 2012, was estimated at 187,928, compared to 182,436 a year earlier. That's an increase of 5,492 or three percent.
The Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) data is the same as Hall County's. Elsewhere in the area: Athens-Clarke Co. MSA - 194,616 in July 2011; 196,425 July 2012. That's a difference of 1,809, reflecting a .9 percent increase. Atlanta MSA - 5,374,678 July 2011; 5,457,831 July 2012, a difference of 83,153 or a 1.5 percent increase.
Among other counties in the Gainesville area, Habersham's population is estimated to have incfreased by 439 (or one percent) during the 12-month period - from 43,081 to 43,520. Jackson County's population increased by only 35 from 60,536 in July 2011 to 60,571 last July.
The Census Bureau reports that Chattahoochee County in west Georgia, which includes Ft. Benning, was the fastest growing county in the country, with a population increae of 10.1 percent.
According to the Census Bureau, a record number of counties nationwide - more than 1 in 3 - are now dying off, hit by an aging population and weakened local economies that are spurring young adults to seek jobs and build families elsewhere. (See separate story. Second link below.)
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/3/259332