Mayor Ron Littlefield said a successful challenge to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimate for the city of Chattanooga resulted in an 8.4% increase, correcting an estimate that showed a declining population for Chattanooga.
An increase of 13,103 residents now brings the estimated population of Chattanooga to 168,293.
Mayor Littlefield said, “This confirms what we have believed in our hearts: Chattanooga is a thriving and growing city. The investment in transforming our community from the most polluted forty years ago to one of the most desirable cities in America today is paying off.”
He said Chattanooga’s growth outpaces Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis. Nashville saw a 1.5% increase while Knoxville experienced a growth of 4.9% and Memphis 3.2%.
The census data is used to distribute more than $300 billion in federal funds for programs such as Community Development Block Grants, Highway Planning and Construction, Head Start, Foster Care, School Breakfast Programs, Food Stamps and Special Education programs. A higher U.S. Census Bureau estimated population count can result in an increase in federal funding for programs in Chattanooga, it was stated.
A challenge to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 population estimate was launched earlier this year after examining data that contradicted the bureau’s low estimate.
Yuen Lee, information and research director for the Chattanooga Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, said,
“It was obvious to us that we were seeing an increase in population, not decreasing as the Census Bureau estimates indicated. We have seen a steady number of residential building permits issued every year since 2000.”
Each year the Census Bureau produces annual population estimates after the last published decennial census based on various data such as births, deaths, Federal tax returns, Medicare enrollment and immigration. States, counties and municipalities may challenge the population estimates prepared by the Census Bureau under the provisions of Title 15, The Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Part 90.