County ranked 41st in state for highest growth since 2010

POLK COUNTY—Polk County’s population has grown 6 percent since 2010, according to new data maps recently released by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. 

The 6-percent increase in population ranked Polk County as the 41st highest growth since 2010 out of North Carolina’s 100 counties. 

The NCACC releases new maps annually that highlight demographic, economic, health and educational information from the state’s 100 counties. 

Brunswick County had the most growth from 2010-2019 with 29 percent. Pender, Wake, Mecklenburg and Johnston counties followed Brunswick County with 21 percent growth over the 9-year period. 

There were 28 counties in the state that decreased in population, with Bertie County being the most at -8 percent. 

Jones, Vance, Nash, Avery and Montgomery counties stayed the same in population. 

Henderson and Buncombe counties both grew by 11 percent, according to the NCACC. Transylvania grew by 7 percent, while Rutherford County grew by two percent. 

The next census is being done in 2020, with canvassing started in Polk County. The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a committee last week to help get more participation next year. The census will be valid as of April 1, 2020. 

Polk County’s last census in 2010 was 20,510 residents. 

The statewide population between 2010-2019 increased by 10 percent, according to the NCACC. 

The NCACC’s figures came from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.