REVIEWS & OPINIONS The Census numbers are in: growth, but not galloping growth (From News Release) An initial analysis of data released by the U.S. Census bureau last month showed continued population growth in the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke, and the cities of Roanoke and Salem. According to the 2020 census, population in the MSA grew 2.1% over the previous decade. Statewide, population increased by 7.9%, a lower growth rate than the previous 2000-2010 Census. “We’re pleased to see that the region continues to grow,” says Matt Miller, Director of Information Services for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, who performed the analysis. “And while the growth rate was lower than in previous years, this tracks with trends we are seeing nationally.” The City of Roanoke, with a 3.1% growth rate, saw its population increase to over 100,000 for the first time since the 1980 Census (to 100,011). At 4.9%, Roanoke County saw the largest population growth of the jurisdictions covered by the Commission. Overall, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission area – which stretches from Franklin County to Alleghany County – saw a growth of 1.6%. “This data affirms trends we’ve seen the last few decades,” added Miller. “Small but consistent growth in our urban areas, and loss of population in our rural counties, cities, and towns.” (From Me) So … what does it all mean? For one there’s little chance of this region becoming a Charlotte any time soon (housing growth in Roanoke City for example was up less than 3% since the 2010 census). But is 2.1% in the MSA enough population growth to attract outside talent and larger employers to the area? Roanoke City crept up over the 100,000 mark again just barely, after dipping below that magic number over the past few decades. “That’s good news,” says Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. “That tells me we need to continue to go forward with the things that we are doing. We think the investment and the development [especially residential] we’ve had downtown has made a difference.” Virginia is already more ethnically diverse than it was a decade ago; in Roanoke the Hispanic/Latino population rose about 3 percent since 2010. “It tells me that we are changing the Commonwealth in many different ways and not only that, we have a much higher of multiracial Virginians. We’re truly becoming a melting pot in many ways,” says Democratic Roanoke Delegate Sam Rasoul.
THERE’S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE By Gene Marrano Executive Summary: “Small but consistent growth” … is that what we want?
Is it enough population growth to sustain major economic development gains? Will improved infrastructure –on I-81, more rail service, broadband expansion – make a significant difference? What will the 2030 Census numbers tell us? vbFRONT.com / SEPTEMBER 2021 u
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