Number of San Benito residents up half a percentage point since
2008
San Benito County has gone from the fastest-growing county in
California during the 1990s to just the 37th-fastest as of July
2009, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau
recently.
From 1990 to 2000, fueled by residential growth that was spurred
by a burgeoning high-tech economy in Silicon Valley, the county
grew by 45.1 percent. In year-to-year numbers from July 1, 2008 to
July 1, 2009
– the most recent data available – the county’s population grew
by half a percentage point, from an estimated 54,797 to 55,058.
Number of San Benito residents up half a percentage point since 2008
San Benito County has gone from the fastest-growing county in California during the 1990s to just the 37th-fastest as of July 2009, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau recently.
From 1990 to 2000, fueled by residential growth that was spurred by a burgeoning high-tech economy in Silicon Valley, the county grew by 45.1 percent. In year-to-year numbers from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009 – the most recent data available – the county’s population grew by half a percentage point, from an estimated 54,797 to 55,058.
San Benito County now has fewer people living here than it did in 2002. After years of increases as people sought affordable housing within commuting distance of Santa Clara Valley jobs, the county’s population decreased each year between 2004 and 2006 before beginning a gradual rise that has continued over the past three years.
From 2006 to 2007, the county added just 37 people to its estimated population total, followed by 292 in 2008 and 261 as of July 2009.
San Benito County ranked 43rd out of 58 counties in total population as of July 2009 and its percentage of growth ranked 37th.
The Census Bureau released the population estimates in March based on 2000 census data that was updated using administrative records to figure population change. The figures are the last that will use year 2000 census data as a base, since the 2010 census is now under way.
Census Bureau Director Robert Graves said the official population counts for the nation and individual states will be released in December, when this year’s census data becomes available.
Those totals will be used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Census numbers govern the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funds each year and serve as the baseline for future post-census population estimates, Groves said in a press release. “It is critical that every U.S. household complete and mail back their questionnaire so that our counts are as accurate as possible.”
Regionally from 2008 to 2009, Monterey County grew by 1.2 percent, Santa Cruz grew by 1.3 percent and Santa Clara County grew by 1.6 percent. California’s total population rose by 1 percent, bringing the total number of people in the Golden State to just less than 37 million.
