County Population Scarcely Increases in 2009

Each year the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission prepares population and housing estimates for the County and its three cities: Temple Terrace, Plant City, and Tampa.  Population estimates are generated using completed residential building permit activity, as reported by each of the jurisdictions, over the time period April 1st – March 31st of each year. 

This past year, a net 4,400 additional housing units were constructed equating to an additional 9,500 people, or less than one percent increase.  “We haven’t seen this little growth since the early 1990’s when population increased less than 10,000 people per year.” Planning Commission Economic Research Manager Suzi Dieringer said.  During the last decade the County experienced population growth between 20,000 to 30,000 people per year.  At the height of the housing boom in 2006, population increased 33,000.

Hillsborough County’s population is estimated at 1,234,010.  Tampa, the largest city, has a population of 350,150 followed by Plant City with 34,860 people, and Temple Terrace with 24,620 persons.  The remaining population resides within the county. 

Most of the growth this year occurred as single-family homes in the unincorporated parts of Hillsborough County.  “These were remnants of developments begun during the housing boom,“ Dieringer said.  The City of Tampa added the most multi-family, condominiums and apartments, mostly in the downtown area.  “It’s exciting to see higher density growth focused in downtown where the roads and infrastructure is planned or already in place,” said Planning Commission Executive Director Robert B. Hunter, FAICP.  “A vibrant urban core blends residential and employment while providing opportunities for transit,” Hunter said.

The complete data set and report can be found by clicking here.