Columbia's Count is Up, But By How Much?

According to estimates released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbia's population steadily increased from 2000 census estimates, when 7,996 people called Columbia home, to the latest census estimate in which that number grew to 9,342--an increase of 16.8 percent.

The increase is good news for the community, since some regional and state funds are distributed based upon population. During the same time period, nearby municipalities such as Venice, Brooklyn, Fairmont City, East St. Louis, Washington Park and Granite City have all seen decreases, according to the new Census estimates. It's not an entirely accurate benchmark for Columbia, however, since a special census conducted for the city in 2007 pegged the local population at 9,818.

The estimated census numbers released by the Census Bureau do not include the numbers from any special census counts held by individuals cities, towns or villages and performed in collaboration with the federal government if only a portion of the city is counted or if the city has annexed land. That's the case with Columbia, so final figures from the 2010 count should show an even bigger increase.