Rocket City blasts to top in state census

9.6% growth since 2000 fueled mainlyby area newcomers

Huntsville was the fastest-growing metro area in Alabama from 2000 to 2006, outpacing gains in the Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile areas by more than 2 to 1, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday.

The study of Metropolitan Statistical Areas shows that the Huntsville MSA increased by 32,947 residents, or 9.6 percent, from July 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006, for a total population of 376,753 residents. Huntsville's MSA encompasses all of Madison and Limestone counties.

The Birmingham MSA, which includes Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Walker and Bibb counties, had a 4.4 percent population gain in the same period for a total of 1.1 million residents.

The Montgomery MSA saw 4.2 percent growth to 361,748 residents, while the Mobile area population rose 1 percent to 404,157.

Don Bogie, director of the Center for Demographic Research at Auburn University Montgomery, said the Huntsville area has consistently drawn newcomers. "The migration figure looks strong. That indicates that it's perceived as a desirable location and people are continuing to come," he said.

"It's the migration number that's driving the growth in the metropolitan area."

The migration, or net gain of new residents, accounted for 70 percent of the Huntsville area's growth, Bogie said. By comparison, migration accounted for 48.2 percent of Alabama's 3.4 percent population gain over the period. Alabama's 2006 population was listed as 4.6 million, with 73,178 of those new residents moving in, Bogie said.

Birth and death rates also affect census numbers, but the net migration rate is the truest measure of population growth as a reflection of an area's economy, he said.

"When you see something that positive, it means the economy is doing well. Jobs are available, and people are finding work," Bogie said.

Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said population gains in the Huntsville-Madison-Limestone area reflect the area's strong job growth.

"It's a very good sign that's a key to our economic future," Hilson said. "When we talk with companies that are considering growing here, whether it's expanding companies or prospective, almost invariably the question they ask is work-force availability. The growth helps not only existing employees but tells future employers this is a great place to be."

Hilson said area leaders have done a good job diversifying the economy, maintaining high quality-of-life standards and keeping cost-of-living expenses low compared with other parts of the country.

"Looking at the numbers is evidence we're achieving our goals," he said.

Madison County's population accounted for 304,307 residents in the two-county Huntsville MSA, and Limestone County accounted for 72,446 residents for growth rates of 9.9 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively, over the six-year period, Bogie said.

David Seibert, chairman of the Limestone County Commission, attributed much of Limestone's growth to the strong jobs market in the Huntsville area. "The draw for us is being a bedroom community," he said.