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Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer discussing the county's rapid growth at a recent press conference

Census estimates significant growth

By Michael Butler

Elmore County continues to be one of Alabama's fastest growing counties. The trend is expected to continue.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research released the data in March.

The figures indicate an expected growth of 32.7 percent from the 2010 census figures to 2040 with a population increase of 79,303 to 105,274.

The estimated population today is 83,426. That number is anticipated to increase to 88,942 in 2020 and 98,374 in 2030.

The rise to more than 100,000 by 2040 would put Elmore County among the top 14 most populous counties. Jefferson County is currently the largest with 658,466 in the 2010 U.S. Census.

The counties estimated to have the most rapid growth rate from 2010-2040 are: Baldwin (64.9%), Limestone (58.5%), Lee (50.9%), Shelby (51.2%), St. Clair (50.4%), Madison (40.6%), Autauga (39.9%) and Elmore County (32.7%).

35 of the 67 counties are projected to have positive growth during the 30-year span. The tabulations for Tallapoosa County indicate a slight decline from 41,616 in 2010 to 41,570 in 2040, a 0.1 percent decrease.

The most substantial decrease estimated statewide was for Macon County with estimates for a 22.7 dropoff in population from 21,452 in 2010 to 16,590 in 2040.

The state estimates showed a 16.9 percent increase. The 2010 Census listed Alabama with a population of 4,779,736. That number is expected to rise to 5,587,919 by 2040.

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