On Aug. 11, the Atlanta Regional Commission reported that although the recession is hindering the city's growth, Atlanta is adding new residents.
Between April 1, 2010 and April 1 of this year (2011), the region grew by 34,550 according to ARC estiamtes. Compared with the boom between 2000 and 2007, this is the third year in a row that the metro area has experienced slower growth, but still spectacular for these tough economic times.
"Although slower, this pace is still impressive in the face of the economic pressures we face," ARC Chairman Tad Leithead said. "This gives us a chance to catch our breath while we plan for the more rapid growth we project."
It's no surprise that Altanta is one of the fastest growing cities. With more job opportunities slowly but surely emerging, and with plenty to do (the Georgia Aqaurium, Fox Theatre, Falcons games and more), there is a definite added appeal to the region.
The county that leads the growth chart is Gwinnett County with 8,799 residents being added during the next year. In second place is Fulton County (the home of the city of Atlanta), with an increase of 7,619 residents. Third place goes to Cherokee County, adding 4,154 and then Henry County, adding 3,878.
Now home to more than 4.1 million people, the Atlanta region is now larger than 24 states, according to U.S. Census data.
