Census data show Suwannee and Columbia growing

By Tami Stevenson

The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2020 numbers last week showing Florida grew within the last ten years by 14.6 percent, while the nation’s growth was only 7.4 percent overall. The current population in Florida is now 21,538,187.

The data show Suwannee County grew by 1,923 residents, a 4.6 percent increase with a total population of 43,474. Columbia County grew by 2,167 people with a 3.2 percent increase and a total population of 69,698. Hamilton County fell some 795 residents showing a 5.4 percent decrease in its population with a new total of 14,004. Madison County also fell by 1,256 residents showing a 6.5 percent decrease with a current population of 17,968. Alachua County grew from 247,336 to 278,468, showing a 12.6 percent increase in population.

Interestingly, the fastest-growing U.S. metro area between the 2010 Census and 2020 Census was The Villages in Florida, which grew 39% from about 93,000 people to about 130,000 people.

By state, Florida comes in second with growth in numbers, adding 2,736,877 more residents following Texas, which added 3,999,944. Georgia was third, showing 1,024,255 more residents.

Only three states saw their population shrink. West Virginia dipped by 3.2 percent (59,278 people), Mississippi by 0.2 percent (6,018 people) and Illinois by 0.1 percent (18,124 people).

Florida’s growth will cause her to add another congressional district, from 27 to 28. Statistics on data such as voting-age population and race are used in redrawing district boundaries. Lawmakers are expected to approve final maps during the 2022 legislative session.