Hardin Population Projected To Outpace Surrounding Counties
By
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Source: Kentucky State Data Center at University of Louisville
Population projections for Hardin, Meade, Grayson and LaRue Counties
The report, titled “Projections and Population of Households,” was released this week by the Kentucky State Data Center at U of L. It shows the projected population in each of Kentucky’s counties and Area Development Districts from now through 2040.
Hardin County ranked seventh in a list of the largest numeric gain in population, with a 28,462-person increase over that time. It also ranked 10th in the largest percentage gain with 26.7 percent.
Hardin County’s population is projected to go from 106,439 in the 2010 census to 134,901 by 2040.
Elizabethtown Mayor Edna Berger said the data wasn’t surprising and she considers it positive.
Berger said not just the city, but other city councils and the county have worked over the past several decades to ensure there’s well-planned infrastructure to fuel economic development, and it shows in the number of new businesses coming to town.
Chairman-elect of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Kenny Rambo said amenities and jobs are the important factors moving toward those increased population numbers.
“Population growth is a sign of a healthy community,” he said. “We believe our future growth will depend on protecting and growing Fort Knox, attracting high-quality jobs and bringing to our community new amenities and services.”
Surrounding counties LaRue, Grayson and Meade showed little change, with LaRue and Grayson counties expected to stay within 2,000 of the current population. Meade County is projected to lose 5,000 residents.
Hardin County’s growth rate is in line with that of metropolitan areas in the state such as Jefferson, Fayette and Warren counties.
Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry Berry said he attributes growth projections to Fort Knox, a thriving industrial base and expanding retail sector.
He also touts Hardin Memorial Health’s growth and the Lincoln Trail Area Development District’s work for the boost.
“Our region’s workforce development board … provide first-rate educational opportunities and programs to create a well-trained, educated and much-sought-after workforce, thereby enhancing our area’s growth potential,” Berry said.
“The synergistic impact of these resources, and many other positive ingredients within our community positions Hardin County and other surrounding communities for strong sustained growth for many years to come.”
The eight-county Lincoln Trail Area Development District will jump from a population of 269,117 to 305,801, according to the projections, while the average household size drops from 2.56 to 2.33.
Kentucky’s population as a whole will increase 10.4 percent to almost 4.9 million residents.
Emma Kennedy can be reached at 270-505-1746 or ekennedy@thenewsenterprise.com.
FULL REPORT
To see the full report, go to http://goo.gl/f9bpc2.
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