 |
Introduction - Page 3 -
PART I: OUR REGIONAL COMMUNITY
A. Demographics
Level and Rate of Population Change:
| Population |
1990 |
1998 Est |
% Change |
|
Lake |
8,583 |
10,475 |
22.0 |
|
Mason |
25,537 |
27,950 |
9.4 |
|
Mecosta |
37,308 |
40,006 |
7.2 |
|
Newaygo |
38,206 |
45,784 |
19.8 |
|
Osceola |
20,146 |
22,106 |
9.7 |
|
West Central MWA |
129,780 |
146,321 |
12.7 |
| Michigan |
|
|
5.6 |
| United States |
|
|
8.7 |
(Source, PY2000) - Annual Planning Information Report
The area is growing at a much faster rate than the state as a whole. The fastest growth rates are being experienced in Lake, where due to the relatively small population, smaller numbers make a larger percentage, and Newaygo, the largest county.
The following chart shows that the population is growing faster than census estimates. The 1998 estimate listed above, already exceeds the 1996 estimate for the year 2000 on a regional basis and for all counties except Newaygo and Osceola. Given our perception of growth, these projections seem conservative and we anticipate the 2000 census will reflect stronger growth.
|
County |
2000
(1996 est) |
2010 |
2020 |
| Lake |
10,200 |
11,300 |
12,700 |
| Mason |
27,300 |
27,800 |
28,200 |
| Mecosta |
38,400 |
40,000 |
41,400 |
| Newaygo |
46,600 |
53,200 |
61,000 |
| Osceola |
22,400 |
23,600 |
24,700 |
| West Central |
144,900 |
155,900 |
168,000 |
[Above 1996 estimates (Michigan Department of Management & Budget, Office of the State Demographer)]
Michigan Works! West Central
|