Vermont’s total population is 625,741, according to the first set of data released from the 2010 Census.

This represents an increase of 2.8% from the count in 2000 — a dramatic slowing of the population growth rate compared to the 8.2% growth between 1990 and 2000. Only six states grew more slowly than Vermont between 2000 and 2010.

Vermont continues to be the second smallest state in the country, behind Wyoming. Although these population counts will affect the number of representatives in the U.S. Congress from many states, Vermont’s single seat will remain unchanged.

More information is at the Census site.

Deputy State Treasurer Beth Pearce of Barre will become the state's new Treasurer next month. Governor-elect Peter Shumlin made the announcement yesterday.

Beth has 30 years of government finance experience in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.

The Treasurer holds an ex officio position on VHFA's Board of Commissioners. Beth has been current Treasurer Jeb Spaulding's designee on our Board of Commissioners since 2003.

Congratulations, Beth!

Governor-elect Peter Shumlin appointed Noelle MacKay (pictured) Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Affairs.

MacKay has been Executive Director of Smart Growth Vermont in Burlington for the past five years. The non-profit organization works to understand the factors changing Vermont, and develop creative land use and development policies.

The Census Bureau released new estimates yesterday that provide information about the characteristics of residents and homes in every Vermont community during 2005-2009.

These estimates are based on the annual American Community Survey (ACS), which asks a sample of Vermonters questions about their home and household members living there.

Here’s a sample of the types of information collected through the ACS: