Area towns pace growth in county

The Monmouth County Planning Board has approved the county's 2009 population estimates that sets the official total population estimate for the county at 662,987 people.

According to a press release from the county, the new estimates show that the total population of Monmouth County increased by just over a half a percentage point (0.55 percent) between January 2008 and January 2009. Since the 2000 U.S. Census, Monmouth County's population has increased by 47,686 persons, or 7.8 percent.

"Monmouth County continues to grow at a sustainable pace," Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director John D'Amico Jr. said. "Monmouth remains an appealing area to live and to work. We have an abundance of green and open space along with excellent beaches, and we also have easy access to both New York City and Philadelphia."

"The survey results show that the county keeps attracting new residents at a rate which it is able to absorb while consistently providing first-rate public services," Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. "Monmouth County's growth rate of less than 1 percent a year on average since 2003 is quite manageable."

According to the press release, growth in 10 municipalities (Manalapan, Marlboro, Freehold Township, Howell, Tinton Falls, Upper Freehold Township, Long Branch, Middletown, Ocean Township and Wall Township) accounted for 78 percent of the total increase.

The estimates are based on results from the annual certificate of occupancy survey conducted each January by staff of the Monmouth County Planning Board.

The annual certificate of occupancy survey asks municipal building inspectors for information regarding certificates of occupancy for new residential construction, conversions of seasonal housing to year-round housing, and demolitions of existing housing in their respective municipality for the preceding year.

The change in the number of occupied year-round homes, in conjunction with the average household size for each municipality, provides a basis for estimating annual population changes between each decennial census.

The last national census was conducted in 2000 and the next census will be conducted in 2010.

Detailed 2009 population estimate information is available on the Monmouth County Internet website at www.vistimonmouth. com and by clicking on the link to the Planning Board section.