POPULATION UPDATE

Last week, the US Census Bureau released their latest population estimates for counties in the United States, reflecting the population of each county on July 1, 2022. The news was mostly positive for the Cincinnati Region, with our regional population increasing by 5,166 people, and now sits at 2.27 million. In fact, Warren County—which had a population increase of 2,956 people—was the third fastest growing county in Ohio, and Boone County—which saw an increase of 1,333—was the third fastest growing county in Kentucky. Our region’s growth is more impressive when you consider that Ohio’s statewide population fell by over 8,000 people in the past year.

The news wasn’t all positive though, as Hamilton County saw an estimated loss of 2,464 people, the second straight year of negative population growth. However, Hamilton County has still added over 22,000 new residents since the year 2010. It will take a few more years of data to see whether remote work and other post-COVID changes in the way people live and work will have a mostly negative or mostly positive effect on population growth in our region. At the Chamber we’ll continue to advocate for sensible, pro-growth policies that support the needs of the business community and foster a growing, thriving community.