The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows a population increase of 40,000 residents in Northeast Indiana’s 11 counties between 2010 and 2020.
The data was made public Thursday, as part of the broader package of information brought forward by the federal government as states prepare to redraw district lines.
Eight of Northeast Indiana’s 11 counties saw population growth between the 2010 and 2020 counts. Allen County led the way with an 8.5 percent increase, resulting in 30,000 new residents to the region over ten years. LaGrange County came in second with a 9 percent increase.
Wabash saw the largest decline in population, amounting to 1,912 fewer residents between 2010 and 2020. Huntington and Noble counties were the other two to lose residents at 462 and 79, respectively.
Despite Huntington County’s losses, they -- along with Allen, LaGrange and Whitley counties -- exceeded population projections conducted last year by the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University.
Northeast Indiana’s growth can be considered surprising compared to other parts of the country. More than half of all counties across the country saw population losses, especially those with populations of 50,000 or fewer, providing some encouraging news for the region going forward.
The U.S. Census is conducted every ten years, and data collected from it determines aid and other resources provided by the federal government to municipalities across the country.
