Arlington and Alexandria are expected to challenge national census numbers released this week that found the county and city are among the country’s fastest shrinking in their respective categories, officials said.
Census figures from the beginning of 2004 to the beginning of 2005 show that Arlington lost almost 2,000 people, or 1 percent of its population, bringing its total population to about 195,000 people. Alexandria lost more than 1,250 people, a bit less than 1 percent, leaving it with 135,000 people, according to the federal numbers.
Arlington is ranked as the 16th fastest-shrinking area nationwide, while Alexandria is ranked 18th. Both have invested heavily in supporting the development of new residential units and urban centers in hopes of attracting new residents as the national capital region grows.
City and county officials dismissed the federal estimates. They said that the census bureau uses a methodology that does not accurately capture the number of people living in the area, and that both jurisdictions will appeal the counts.
“We feel that the annual estimates released by the Census Bureau are not accurate, and the population is actually increasing,” said Justin Clarke, a research analyst in Arlington’s planning division. “The Census Bureau relies heavily on migration, birth and death data, while Arlington’s population estimates are based on new housing unit construction and occupancy rates,”
Clarke estimates Arlington’s 2006 population at a bit more than 200,000. Alexandria’s demographer Ralph Rosenbaum estimates the city’s population at more than 137,000
Clarke and Rosenbaum said, over time, population losses could lead to decreases in the amount of federal funds the jurisdictions are eligible for under certain programs.
This is the second year the areas will challenge the count. Arlington’s 2004 numbers were revised from 186,117 to 197,955, and Alexandria’s went from 128,206 to 136,365.
