Census: Philly population up, Pittsburgh down

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — New Census figures show that Allentown and Reading grew significantly over the past decade, while Philadelphia edged up and Pittsburgh shrank.

According to federal data released today, counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania experienced the most growth since the 2000 Census. Western counties generally lost residents.

Overall, Pennsylvania’s population increased 3.4 percent, to just over 12.7 million. But the state will lose one of its 19 congressional seats.

Pennsylvania’s five most populous cities, in order, are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie and Reading.

Allentown grew by 10.7 percent, Reading increased by 8.5 percent and Philadelphia went up by 0.6 percent over the past decade.

Pittsburgh’s population went down 8.6 percent, while Erie lost 1.9 percent.