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Population grows by 2,259 over last decade

POLK COUNTY—Polk County’s population is on a slow, but steady rise. 

Over the last decade, the population has grown by 2,259 residents. 

The last 10 years have mostly seen an increase in population, except between 2011 and 2012, when the population decreased by 155 people and between 2012 and 2013, when the population decreased by just 11 people. 

Polk County Commissioner recently received the annual audit for fiscal year 2018-2019, which contains statistical information regarding the county for the last decade. 

Polk County’s population in 2010 was 19,355, compared to the 2019 population of 21,614, according to the audit report. 

The largest population increase over the last decade occurred between 2010 and 2011, when the population grew by 1,233 people, according to the audit report. There were 19,355 residents in Polk County in 2010 and 20,588 by 2011. 

The next largest increase occurred most recently, between 2018 and 2019. Polk County’s population was 21,275 in 2018 and grew by 339 people to 21,614 in 2019, according to the audit report. Polk County also grew by 255 people between 2017 and 2018 and another 192 people between 2016 and 2017. 

Polk County will have its 2020 Census this year, with the population counted as of April 1. 

Polk County formed a new committee to help increase participation this year, since the 27 and 32 percent of Polk residents did not participate in the last two counts.

The U.S. Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790 as required by the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2. In 1790 there were 3.9 million U.S. residents. In 2010, there were 308 million U.S. residents. 

Data from the census is used in many ways, including forecasting future transportation needs; determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans; assisting tribal, federal, state and local governments in planning and implementing programs and services in education, healthcare, transportation, social services and emergency response and designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly and children. 

This year’s census will eliminate paper and incorporate the use of handheld data collection devices. 

Canvassing for the 2020 U.S. Census has already begun. In mid-March 2020 individual housing units will be invited to respond, with April 1, 2020 being census day. People should respond where they live on April 1, 2020. In May 2020 there will be a non-response follow-up and on Dec. 31, 2020, the counts will be delivered to the U.S. President. 

Anyone who wants to work for the census can visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020. 

 

Polk County’s population growth

 

Year Population Change between years

 

2010 19,355

2011 20,588 1,233

2012 20,433 -155

2013 20,422 -11

2014 20,603 219

2015 20,755 152

2016 20,828 73

2017 21,020 192

2018 21,275 255

2019 21,614 339