Briefing: Census Numbers
The 2010 local census data for Massachusetts has finally arrived, providing new answers to the question of who lives where in the state.
How much did Central Massachusetts grow?
Worcester County grew the most of any county in the state between 2000 and 2010, with its population rising 6.3 percent to 798,552. In contrast, the number of residents in the entire state rose 3.1 percent to 6.5 million, according to Census numbers released earlier this year. Middlesex, the largest county in the state, grew 2.6 percent to 1.5 million residents. Norfolk County grew 3.2 percent to 670,850.
What communities grew the most?
The single fastest-growing town in Central Massachusetts was Upton, which grew 33.7 percent to 7,542. Other communities that grew more than 20 percent were Berlin, Douglas, Rutland and Uxbridge.
Did any places lose population?
Population fell in a few spots. Maynard’s fell 3.1 percent to 10,106. Also losing more than 2 percent were Gardner, Southbridge, West Brookfield, Townsend and Medfield.
What about larger communities?
Worcester grew 4.9 percent to 181,045, a growth rate just slightly higher than Boston’s 4.8 percent. Framingham grew 2.1 percent to 68,318, and Fitchburg grew 3.1 percent to 40,318. Leominster was the biggest city to lose population, falling 1.32 percent to 40,759.
How has the state’s racial makeup changed?
The Hispanic/Latino population grew 46.4 percent and now makes up 9 percent of the state. The number of Asians grew 46.9 percent to represent 5.3 percent of the total. The black/African American population grew 26.5 percent, making up 6.6 percent of the state. The number of whites fell 1.9 percent, though whites still make up 80.5 percent of the population.
What will the numbers mean for political representation in the state?
Over the next few months, the state will redraw its Congressional and Legislative map. Because other states grew faster than Massachusetts, the state will lose one seat in the House of Representatives.
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