What do the U.S. Census’ latest population estimates say about Rowan County?

Year after year, it seems Census estimates show Rowan growing slower than all of its neighbors, with Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Iredell leading the way. And in the years immediately following the recession, Rowan’s population actually declined.

Last week, when estimates for 2018 were released, was no exception to the slow-growing trend. The Census estimated there were 141,262 people living in Rowan as of July 2018. That’s less than half a percentage point greater than the prior year and only 2.09% percent greater than 2010. Meanwhile, our southern and western neighbors are posting double-digit growth rates.

The relative lack of change is stagnation for some. For others it’s comfortable change, as Cabarrus County has added nearly the same number of residents as the population of Salisbury since 2010. Iredell County has added about 19,000 residents in the same period, according to the U.S. Census. Imagine if the same happened here in that time. Municipalities, Rowan County and the school board might like the boost to their budgets. It would certainly address Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ open seat problem. But there would be a massive increase in congestion, too, and a number of residents might not be too thrilled about that. And some likely prefer to live in rural areas.

So, despite our relatively slow population growth, Rowan County is doing just fine compared to the rest of the state, as more than 40 counties have declined in population since 2010. And while our growth percentage appears to be slightly under the state average, we’re also along the Interstate 85, where all indications point to continued growth. If America’s trend of urbanization — that is, people increasingly moving from rural communities to cities — Rowan County stands to benefit, as it’s in the Charlotte metropolitan area and an adjacent to the Piedmont Triad.

The school system may be concerned about whether that growth will include school-age children. Others should be as well because there’s value in having a community that’s as diverse in age as it is in other demographics.

From a total population perspective, however, Rowan County shouldn’t be worried about falling behind neighboring communities.