MERCER CO. Census surprises officials

One official said his township worked harder to make sure everyone was counted.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MERCER, Pa. -- Officials in Mercer County say they believe the population hasn't changed much here in the past 10 years, but that the Census 2000 numbers are more accurate than figures reported in 1990.
According to new figures, Jefferson Township at 2,416 people saw the highest leap in population at 20.9 percent since 1990.
"I'm surprised we made such a jump percentage wise," said Ralph Nickel, Jefferson Township supervisor chairman. "But I don't think the increase is accurate."
He added: "I think the numbers are more accurate this time around than they were in 1990. I don't really think we're seeing a lot of people coming in. We've had a few people moving in and some building going on, but nothing really that significant."
Real estate agent: Michelle Chiodo, an agent with Stainbrook Real Estate, said she's surprised by the numbers. She said she's had clients request homes in other rural areas like Salem (769) and Fairview (1,036) townships, which had 13.4 percent and 13.8 percent increases, respectively.
But Chiodo noted most of her clients seem to be moving into small towns including West Middlesex (929), which showed a 5.4 percent decrease in population.
"Some people want to be out in the country, but there aren't many homes available in those areas," she explained. "And then you have Sharpsville (which reflected a 4.8 percent decrease and has 4,500 people) where there are no more lots available. You can't build there and the only way you can move in is if someone moves out. And they're not moving out. That area seems to remain pretty constant."
Fairview Twp.: DeWitt Palmer, Fairview Township supervisor chairman, said he hasn't seen much change in his township over the past 10 years.
"It's typical country living. Little changes. We took more time and this time did everything we could to make sure everyone was counted."
Palmer said officials spent more time canvassing the township, talking to residents and filling out census paperwork. He said officials also stressed to "local folks" the importance of taking the census seriously and the importance of being counted.
Hermitage: Park Lenhart, an agent with Sebastian Real Estate, which specializes in commercial property, said he's not surprised to see the 5.6 increase (16,157) in Hermitage. But, he added, if anything, he expected it to be higher.
"We deal a lot in Hermitage and with new businesses coming in, we seem to see a lot of people moving in. I would have thought there would have been a lot more than that. It definitely is a growing area. I'm surprised."