Two local counties gained population

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Two of the counties that are part of the Mon Valley have seen increases in population, according to figures from the 2020 U.S. Census.

Allegheny County’s population has increased for the first time in a census since 1960. Census figures released last week show the county’s population grew by 27,223 (2.2%).

Washington County grew by 0.7%, from 207,820 to 209,349.

Butler County was the only other Southwestern Pennsylvania county to see a population increase, according to census data.

Westmoreland County’s population shrunk by 2.9%, from 365,169 in 2010 to 354,663 in 2020. Fayette County saw a population decrease of 5.7%, going from a population of 136,606 in 2010 to 128,804 in 2020.

Overall, the state population increased 2.4%, from 12,702,379 in 2010 to 13,002,700 in 2020. Pennsylvania has surpassed Illinois and now ranks fifth in terms of population, behind California, Texas, Florida and New York, according to Census data. 

Washington County

Longtime Washington County commissioners Diana Irey Vaughan and Larry Maggi are happy to see Washington County’s population figures have increased.

Irey Vaughan, the chairwoman of the three-member board of commissioners, said the county also saw a population increase in the 2010 census.

“I’m glad to see that Washington County’s population continues to grow,” she said.

“I’d rather see those numbers go up than down,” Maggi said. “I’m happy to see that happen.” 

Maggi “was hoping we had a little more growth,” but said he is “happy with the .7%.”

“Hey, we’re one of three counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania, I believe, that are growing in population. We haven’t lost, which is a positive thing,” he said.

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