Pennsylvania had the most dramatic population increase last year in five years, with West Chester recording the largest population growth of any borough in the state from 2010 to 2017, writes Emily Previti for WHYY.
The much needed bump came after the Keystone State saw a decline in 2016. However, the situation is still far from perfect. Most of the growth remains concentrated in several areas particularly Southeastern Pennsylvania, while the majority of communities across the state continue to lose residents.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimates, Pennsylvania added over 18,000 people last year. According to Keystone Crossroads’ statistical analysis this is the largest increase since 2012. However, only about a fifth of cities statewide have added residents since the last census.
On the borough level from 2010 to 2017, West Chester’s population grew from an estimated 18,459 to around 20,060. This is an increase of 1,601 residents or an 8.7 percent jump in population.
The situation is much more concerning in other parts of the state, as over 75 percent of boroughs saw their population decline over the same period. In addition, two-thirds of townships lost residents.
Read more about the population increase at WHYY here.
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