Charleston, Coles County continue slow, steady growth
Charleston’s population has grown slightly over 3 percent in the last 10 years along with the population of Coles County, according to data released by the Census Bureau.
In 1990, the population of Charleston was 20,398, but that number rose to 21,039 in 2000.
City Manager Bill Riebe attributed the growth to what the university has to offer as well as the small town atmosphere that many people look for in a hometown.
“University towns are dynamic. Eastern is a real asset,” Riebe said. “I think Charleston has an awful lot to offer.”
Riebe said he expects Charleston’s population to continue to grow in following years because of what the town has to offer to prospective residents. Charleston has a low crime rate, business opportunities and a small town atmosphere, Riebe said.
A survey handed out by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce last year revealed that the majority of residents in Charleston favor growth and would like to see a growth rate of about 2 percent per year, Riebe said.
Charleston can continue to grow without losing its small-town appeal, Riebe said. Without the students, it can be a really small town.
Not only Charleston, but Coles County also has experienced growth moving from 51,664 residents in 1990 to 53,196 residents in 2000. Coles County surpassed the projected population of 53,007, Census Bureau statistics stated.
The state of Illinois’ population has grown 8.6 percent with 12,419,293 residents in 2000 over the 11,430,602 residents in 1990.
“The growth in the state’s population, especially compared to other Midwestern states, is reflective of the strong economy, high quality of life and outstanding universities and research centers available to Illinois residents,” said Pam McDonough, department of commerce and community affairs director, in a press release.
Some counties in Illinois have a growth rate as high as 40 percent. The fastest growing counties in Illinois are Cook County, Will County, Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County, McHenry County, Winnebago County, McLean County, Kendall County and DeKalb County.
