Population rises for Barrow’s smallest cities

Population estimates released by the Census Bureau last week show that Carl and Bethlehem each grew more than six percent from July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2007.

Carl grew from 286 residents in 2006 to 305 residents in 2007 – an increase of 6.6 percent.

Bethlehem grew from 989 residents in 2006 to 1,054 residents in 2007 – an increase of 6.5 percent.

Barrow County’s largest city, Winder, grew from an estimated 12,998 residents in 2006 to 13,599 residents in 2007 – a 4.6 percent increase. According to the 2000 Census, Winder had 10,201 residents.

An official in one Barrow County municipality, Braselton, believes the Census figures may be too low. Braselton also spans into Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall counties.
The Census estimates that Braselton grew 10 percent – from 2,792 residents in 2006 to 3,072 residents in 2007.

Town manager Jennifer Scott said Braselton had 2,670 registered votes in the spring of 2007. And figuring that not every resident is a registered voter and there are families with children, Scott said the Census estimates may be too low for the town.

The Census Bureau makes its annual prediction about population changes based on building permits, estimates of construction and mobile home shipments, among other factors.


Population estimates for cities in Barrow County include:


Winder
2007= 13,599
2006= 12,998
Percentage change= 4.6

Auburn
2007=7,447
2006=7,187
Percentage change=3.6

Bethlehem
2007=1,054
2006=989
Percentage change=6.5

Carl
2007=305
2006=286
Percentage change=6.6

Statham
2007=2,820
2006=2,665
Percentage change=5.8