San Benito County, which has seen its population growth slow
down every year since 1999, is one of the slowest-growing counties
in the state, a trend local officials attribute to rising home
prices and the Hollister building moratorium.
Hollister – San Benito County, which has seen its population growth slow down every year since 1999, is one of the slowest-growing counties in the state, a trend local officials attribute to rising home prices and the Hollister building moratorium.
The number of people moving to San Benito County – a county that recently went through a hard-fought battle over growth – has dropped drastically over the years, according to state population estimates released this week. San Benito County’s population grew by only 481 people in 2003-2004 to 57,353 people. That makes it the 46th-fastest growing of California’s 58 counties.
Just four years earlier in 1999-2000, the county’s population grew by over 1,600 – almost 75 percent more than in 2003-2004. In 2000-2001 the county grew by 1,433 people; in 2001-2002 by 986 people; and in 2002-2003 by only 664 people.
San Benito County supervisors said Tuesday the county’s slower-than-average growth was probably a direct result of the rising cost and difficulty of living in the area since May 2002’s 15-million gallon sewer spill and the resulting building moratorium.
“The drop in the city (of Hollister) is a result of the moratorium I’m sure. I’m sure it will pick up when it lifts,” said Supervisor Pat Loe. “And the county has a one-percent growth cap right now. I think we’re waiting to see what happens with the transfer of development credits program because they’re talking about adding on an extra half a percent to the growth cap. That would put us around the state average, and I have no problem being at the state average.”
Like San Benito County, California as a whole is experiencing a steady decline in growth, according to the state estimates. In 1999-2000, the state saw a population increase of 680,162, but population growth slowed over the next few years, ending up at 599,489 in 2003-2004.
And in the past two years, San Benito County has been growing more slowly than the state as a whole. In 1999-2000, the county’s growth rate was 1.03 percent greater than the state’s, but by 2003-2004 it had dropped to .82 percent less than the state’s.
Supervisor Anthony Botelho pointed to rising home costs as a big factor in San Benito County’s sluggish growth. The median home price in Hollister recently exceeded the $500,000 mark for the first time.
“All you have to do is open up the paper and see how much houses are. What kind of salary do you have to have in order to have a home in our community? They’re really expensive, and we’re not building any (new homes), so it’s all about the supply and inventory,” Botelho said.
Supervisor Reb Monaco said the county’s slow growth was probably a result of all of these issues.
“Obviously the moratorium and the restriction of housing and the housing prices are an issue right now. If you look at the valley right now, we’re the hottest area in California,” he said. “If you look at the growth in states like Nevada and Arizona … especially young people can afford to move there and buy a house.”
Jessica Quandt covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at [email protected].
