2016 Augusta Metro population estimates (Augusta-Richmond County, Macon: 2015, crime, construction) - Georgia (GA) - City-Data Forum

Airforceguy · 03-23-2017, 01:50 PM

The census released their annual estimates for counties and metro areas today. As of July 1, 2016, the Augusta-Richmond County,GA-SC metro population is estimated to be 594,919. That's an increase of 4,872 from the 2015 population of 590,047. Percentage wise it was 0.8%. Breaking it down by counties, Columbia continues to be the leader with an increase of 3,370 to 147,450. Next was Aiken County with an increase of 1,347 to 167,458. The only other counties in the region to grow were Augusta-Richmond, which saw an increase of 246 to 201,647 and Lincoln County which saw an increase of 143 to 7,828. The other counties in the region saw small decreases, with Edgefield County suffering the biggest loss of 145.

For more info, the census has the numbers at their American Fact Finder page:https://www.census.gov/programs-surv...ta/tables.html

AUGnative · 03-23-2017, 06:06 PM

That is quite telling. Collumbia County accounts for 70% of all the growth in the entire metro area. I dont think that is really much of a surprise. So the "Fastest Rising City in The Southeast" grew by a whopping 246 people in the past year. That is a yearly growth rate of 0.001%

therealpattman · 03-23-2017, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUGnative

That is quite telling. Collumbia County accounts for 70% of all the growth in the entire metro area. I dont think that is really much of a surprise. So the "Fastest Rising City in The Southeast" grew by a whopping 246 people in the past year. That is a yearly growth rate of 0.001%

We've had a ton of debates about this topic. I believe RCBOE is really hurting the counties growth. The county does have some fine magnet programs but the overwhelming bulk of the schools are failing miserably and have been for years. I don't think its crime due to the connection between a poorly educated population and increases in crime. If Richmond County wants to fix this slow growth it must start with the school system.

Airforceguy · 03-23-2017, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpatt.marine1

We've had a ton of debates about this topic. I believe RCBOE is really hurting the counties growth. The county does have some fine magnet programs but the overwhelming bulk of the schools are failing miserably and have been for years. I don't think its crime due to the connection between a poorly educated population and increases in crime. If Richmond County wants to fix this slow growth it must start with the school system.

I agree 100%, if Augusta-Richmond wants to grow, the city and business community must get serious about fixing the school system. If it doesn't, the county will continue to see anemic growth. I believe partnerships like the textron program for at-risk students is a good start, but more must be done.

Airforceguy · 03-24-2017, 06:19 AM

Another note as well, with all the hype from the local chamber of commerce crowd regarding Army Cyber Command moving here, I would have thought growth in the Augusta area would be more robust. Other than the 2014-2015 numbers, growth since the announcement of cyber command coming to Augusta has been rather tepid imo. While I certainly do believe the growth of the cyber industry will have an impact on Augusta, I think the local boosters may have overplayed the hype of cyber a little bit.

masonbauknight · 03-24-2017, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

Another note as well, with all the hype from the local chamber of commerce crowd regarding Army Cyber Command moving here, I would have thought growth in the Augusta area would be more robust. Other than the 2014-2015 numbers, growth since the announcement of cyber command coming to Augusta has been rather tepid imo. While I certainly do believe the growth of the cyber industry will have an impact on Augusta, I think the local boosters may have overplayed the hype of cyber a little bit.

Is it possible that the ACC actually is starting to happen but most newcomers, especially those with kids, are opting to live in Columbia County or in S.C. rather than Augusta-Richmond?

Mutiny77 · 03-24-2017, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

Another note as well, with all the hype from the local chamber of commerce crowd regarding Army Cyber Command moving here, I would have thought growth in the Augusta area would be more robust. Other than the 2014-2015 numbers, growth since the announcement of cyber command coming to Augusta has been rather tepid imo. While I certainly do believe the growth of the cyber industry will have an impact on Augusta, I think the local boosters may have overplayed the hype of cyber a little bit.

The first phase of construction of the new ACC complex won't be completed until next year, and the second phase is scheduled for completion in 2019. So why are folks expecting to see a population boom from 2015-2016 when we're at least three-four years out from completion of the complex?

amlovingit · 03-25-2017, 06:51 PM

Columbia county growth comes from people who used to live in Augusta.

keatkeat_ · 03-26-2017, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amlovingit

Columbia county growth comes from people who used to live in Augusta.

Are you being facetious?

oobanks · 03-26-2017, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amlovingit

Columbia county growth comes from people who used to live in Augusta.

If that's the case, the same trend is happening in Macon as well, a lot of the residents are moving out of certain slum areas like South Macon and moving next door to Houston County for a better quality of life.. It seems the trend is back on to the burbs is starting to happen again around the country with a little new added growth.. Columbia Counties growth im sure is a mix of both..