By Erin Smith
The North Carolina State Office of Management and Budget has released their population estimates for the state and the numbers are optimistic. However, in Bladen County, for the period from 2010 to 2017, it shows an estimated decrease in the county’s population.
Bladen County Manager Greg Martin said, “Bladen County has a relatively small population and it is an aging population.”
He noted that at the recent Municipal and County Government meeting the state’s demographer addressed those in attendance and discussed the population estimates and projected decreases.
The next scheduled US Census will be taken in 2020. The proposed 2020 Census questionnaire is set to be presented to Congress by March 31, 2018, according to the US Census Bureau website.
Martin said these Census Population estimates demonstrate why it is so important for everyone to participate in the Census. He said there are many sources of state and federal funds that are impacted by the population size.
“It is extremely important for the citizens of Bladen County to participate in the upcoming 2020 Census so that every person is counted,” said Martin.
He added there is a Complete Count Committee in place and ready to participate and ensure there is a full accurate count performed in Bladen County.
The data released by the state estimates Bladen County’s population grew by 9 percent during the period from 2000 to 2010. The county’s population in the year 2000 was reported to be 32,252 and in the year 2010 the population was reported to be 35,190. In 2017, the county’s population is estimated to have decreased to 33,478 for a drop of 4.9 percent, according to the NC State Office of Management and Budget.
The report does indicate the data is sourced from the US Census Bureau’s population estimates for 2017.
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