By Tony Sandleben—
MUNCIE, Ind.—On March 24, 2022 the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2021 population estimates for states and counties. Delaware County registered its first population increase in the yearly U.S. Census Bureau estimates since 2011.
Delaware County registered an increase of 202 people for the year 2021. More good news—5 out of 9 counties in East Central Indiana showed increased populations. In addition to Delaware County which increased +202 people, Henry County + 50, Fayette County +27, Randolph County +12, and Wayne County +1 also registered positive increases for the year 2021. Grant, Rush, Jay, and Blackford Counties showed population losses. When combined, the 9 counties of East Central Indiana had an overall decrease of -178 according to Census Bureau numbers.
Of the 20 largest counties in Indiana (80,000 population and above), Delaware County ranked 10th highest in percentage growth. Percentage growth was ahead of Kokomo,Terre Haute, New Albany, Elkhart, and South Bend to name a few.
“I am pleased to see this increase for 2021,” Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour said. “I would surmise that projects like the White River Lofts downtown which is rapidly filling up, issuing 36 Muncie single family building permits during 2021 and newly remodeled apartments at 424 Lofts, Labor Center Lofts, and 613 W. Charles also played into the census estimates.” Muncie also saw many single-family homes remodeled and put back into our market area in 2021.
Muncie also welcomed 43 Afghan refugees (now up to 91 in 2022) to our community in 2021.
Muncie actively recruited 5 remote workers to live in Muncie. Most of the remote workers brought family or partners with them which also should have added to the Census estimates.
“All in all, the yearly U.S. Census estimates, although not a full census, do provide numbers that are used by companies and consultants as part of the evaluation process for future locations,” Ridenour said. “This first population increase from the U.S. Census in 10 years, even though not yet a trend, should provide hope that efforts are beginning to see results and gain momentum. Momentum should continue to build as The Make My Move effort to bring remote workers to Muncie is gaining steam. Muncie is now up to more than 100 applications for those looking to move here.”
“Muncie has multiple new housing options under construction in 2022 which is important and necessary to see growth as a community,” Mayor Ridenour added. “It’s important to note the efforts of Traci Lutton of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and others who have secured new manufacturing jobs for the Muncie area—CanPack (350+ jobs) and Living Green Farms (125+ jobs). The Delaware County team has been successful with INOX (110+ jobs), ClearLine Manufacturing (30+) and more.”
According to the mayor, Muncie Power Products is expanding, Accutech Systems is adding dozens of jobs annually and BrickRed Systems will soon be adding 50 new IT positions at the old Southway Plaza location. The mayor indicated that Muncie and Delaware County have some real “plus items” regarding employment as a city and county, although housing is still a concern.
Mayor Ridenour added, “Momentum is building and a growing population result from the U.S. Census Bureau, even if for just one year, should be welcome news to Muncie and Delaware County residents.”
