Vermont’s population continued to grow slowly in 2011, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of estimated Vermonters inched up by about 500 to 625,909 between 2010 and 2011.
State population growth is caused by net in-migration (i.e. more people moving in then out of a state) and by natural forces (i.e. more births than deaths among existing residents).
Although there were pockets of growth across the state, most of the state’s population expansion is due to the northwest counties of Chittenden, Franklin, and Lamoille, the Census Bureau estimated. Eight counties lost population, topped by Rutland, Windham, and Bennington counties.
Detailed estimates relating to Vermont’s population, households, and housing stock in 2011 will be available this fall with a new round of American Community Survey results. Prior year estimates are available for Vermont counties and towns on the Vermont Housing Data website.
Compare Vermont to other parts of the country by checking out the Census Bureau’s press release or access Vermont county and town level estimates at the Census Bureau website.