Jackson, Barrow top nation’s growth list
BY KERRI TESTEMENT
Jackson and Barrow are among the top fastest-growing counties in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Jackson was named the 10th fastest-growing in the U.S., from 2006-2007, while Barrow ranked 12th in the nation.
Jackson County grew from an estimated 55,542 residents in 2006 to 59,254 in 2007 — which is a 6.7 percent increase in population, according to the Census.
“That means a lot,” said Shane Short, president of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce. “That means we are definitely a fast-growing county and we’ve got to get ready for the growth.”
Short said with the growing population, new services will come to Jackson County, such as retail opportunities.
“I think that gives us a positive outlook for more retail growth,” he said.
The 2006-2007 Census population estimates, however, were announced amid a slower economy.
“Although the economy nationwide has slowed down — and we have too in Jackson County — but we haven’t slowed as much as the other areas in the nation,” Short said.
Jackson County is among the Atlanta-area communities slated to continue to grow, he added. Atlanta is still expected to grow by millions over the next 10-15 years, Short said.
And while the real estate market has recently slowed in Jackson County, the market hasn’t stopped, Short said.
“It’s still active, it’s just not as active as it used to be,” he said.
Barrow County grew from an estimated 63,173 residents in 2006 to 67,139 in 2007 — which is a 6.3 percent increase, according to the Census.
“Barrow County has consistently grown in population since 2000. This growth reflects that Barrow has many attributes that residents desire and strengthens our workforce numbers — allowing us to attract desirable commercial and industrial companies,” said Linda Moore, vice president of economic development for the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce.
Neighboring Hall County ranked 50th in the nation, while Gwinnett ranked 95th among the fastest-growing counties in the nation, according to the Census.
