While Pennsylvania’s population grew only by 2.4 percent over the past decade, the migration of residents to parts elsewhere would have been even worse without counter-trends from suburban Philadelphia’s population growth. Sarah Anne Hughes covered the shifts for Spotlight PA.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the population declined in 44 out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Rural counties in western and northern Pennsylvania suffered the greatest hits.

Meanwhile, counties in southeast and south-central Pennsylvania recorded the highest gains.

Out of Philadelphia’s collar counties, Montgomery County saw the highest population increase of 56,679 people. That represents an increase of 7.1 percent. This population change put it in second place of statewide resident upswings, behind only Philadelphia County.

Chester County is third overall with a population change of 35,527, which also represents an increase of 7.1 percent.

Bucks County ranked ninth overall with 21,289 new residents. Those new locals increased the county’s population by 3.4 percent.

Meanwhile, Delaware County ranked 11th, with an increase in the population of 17,851 (3.2 percent).

Read more about suburban Philadelphia’s population growth at Spotlight PA.