The U.S. Census
Bureau has officially revised Boulder’s 2008 population from 94,171 to 99,466.
This revision was the result of a challenge by the city. The revised population
is important for the community because it affects funding opportunities, like
grant money that is awarded based on population size, as well as business
decisions and social services programs.
“We’re very
excited about this news,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “The Boulder community
should see increased funding for numerous community and business programs and
more accurate decision making as a result of this population increase.”
The city
challenged the 2008 Census estimate, released in July 2009, because of a
growing gap between the city’s estimate and the Census estimate, which in 2008
had grown to 8,600 people. City staff submitted the challenge based on reported
new housing units that the Census didn’t count and an underestimated population
living in group quarters facilities such as dormitories, nursing homes,
fraternities and sororities.
Previously, the
2000 Decennial Census count in Boulder missed more than 2,000 housing units and
a significant portion of group dwellings. As a result, the Census population
for Boulder has been inaccurate for nine years. The 2008 challenge submission
required the city to use the 2000 Census numbers as the base calculation. As a
result, city staff still believes that the actual 2008 Boulder population is
closer to 102,800. However, the challenge has successfully narrowed the gap
between the city’s estimate and the Census estimate from 8,600 people to 3,300
people.
The Colorado
state demographer has estimated that for every person not counted in the
Census, the local government loses $826-875 per year.
“It’s important
that we close the gap the rest of the way with the upcoming 2010 Census,” said
Brautigam. “Filling out the 2010 Census form in March will be easy and will
take each household less than 10 minutes. It equates to real money for your
community and is safe for all residents to complete.”
All census data
is confidential and only reported in aggregate. It cannot be viewed or used to
charge anyone with code or legal violations, or to verify citizenship status.
A community-wide
committee is being formed to assist in the 2010 Census and to get Boulder
community residents, including CU students, to fill out their forms. For more
information or to help, contact Chris Meschuk at census@bouldercolorado.gov.
