The Blackman community was Tennessee's second-fastest growing from 2012-2017, according to the American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates released by the US Census Bureau on Dec. 6.
Since the last data release in 2012, the census tract that encompasses Blackman to Interstate 24 (see above) grew by 46 percent (or 3,903 people) from 8,473 to 12,376.
Two other Rutherford County census tracts – the Barfield community and Cason Lane area – ranked No. 12 and 13 in the state with a combined growth of 27.3 percent (or 4,841 people). Check out an interactive map here.
Other Rutherford County areas that showed significant growth were Christiana, Buchana, Kittrell and Mona.
The Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station communities showed the highest growth in the state.
The data was calculated by the Tennessee State Data Center, a local partner to the US Census Bureau. The data center is housed within the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Across the state, 268 tracts (18 percent) showed statistically significant increases in population. Measurable declines were seen in 90 tracts (6 percent).
Areas neighboring Nashville continued to lead growth across the state. Twelve of the 20 fastest-growing tracts were located in the 14-county metro area. Nashville accounted for 46 percent of tracts with increases.
“Population change across communities tends to be uneven,” said Tim Kuhn, director of the Tennessee State Data Center. “These small-area trend numbers give insight into where communities are growing—or declining—relative to the state as whole. “Changing population affects demand for services and infrastructure, and it’s important for communities to be able to understand both the location and the degree of change.”
Of the 90 tracts in the state showing statistically significant declines in population, 29 were located in rural areas and 28 were found in metro Memphis.
Of the 20 fastest-growing tracts, 12 were in the Nashville metropolitan area. And the state capital region accounted for 46% of the tracts with population increases. The Memphis area accounted for 28 of the 90 tracts with decreases. Another 29 tracts posting population declines were located in rural areas.
Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.
