2010 Census shows Washington County's Growth outpaced Regional, State and National Averages
The United States Census Bureau released official population results for Tennessee's cities and counties on Wednesday March 16 that showed Washington County experienced significant growth during the past decade.
Washington County grew by nearly 15 percent from 2000 to 2010 and is ranked as the 11th largest in the state. The county added 15,781 people (14.7 percent) during the decade and is now home to 122,979, up from 107,198 in 2000.
Six other area counties had growth rates ranging from 1.2 to 9.4 percent, and between them added a total of 15,040 residents. The neighboring counties' average growth rate was 4.2 percent.
Washington County grew 16.1 percent from 1990 to 2000, and its population has increased by more than 30,000, from 92,315, in the past 20 years — a 33 percent growth rate.
"A strong and diverse economy, great quality of life, beautiful surroundings and low taxes continued bringing new residents to Washington County during the past decade," Washington County Mayor Dan Eldridge said in response to Wednesday's news. "It's up to local leadership to make sure we maintain and improve on those attributes in this new decade.""Growth is part of what allows us to maintain good services without increasing peoples' tax burden, and we're looking forward to more people discovering that Tennessee's birthplace is a great place to live," Eldridge said.
Johnson City's population grew by 13.9 percent since the last census. The city added 7,683 residents to bring the total to 63,152. The city held its rank as the eighth most populated in the state.
Assistant City Manager Bob Wilson said he anticipates the growth will provide the city with an increase in state revenues.
"This will be good for Johnson City," Wilson said. "It speaks well to the city and shows this is a desirable place to live. I also think our planning department projected numbers very close to this."
Jonesborough's population is now at 5,051.
The state of Tennessee grew by 11.5 percent and the United States saw 9.7 percent growth during the same period.