The Atlanta Regional Commission recently released the latest population figures and growth rates for the metro area. Unincorporated Cobb County’s population has grown at a rate of 1.1 percent since 2000, which is the slowest growth rate in the last 30 years, according to the ARC. The county’s population surged forward in the 1970’s with an annual population increases of 4.2 percent. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, the county’s population continued to expand by adding an estimated 15,000 new residents per year.

The latest figures from the ARC take into account the population growth in each of the county’s six cities and unincorporated Cobb County. The unincorporated areas of the county added just under 5,200 residents per year since 2000.

“We are not surprised by the 1.1 percent slow growth rate in the county,” said Commission Chairman Sam Olens. “Good land planning and smart development are key to keeping the population closely matched with our ability to provide effective services.”

The ARC population figures account for births, deaths and residents moving into or out of the county. For more information, go to www.atlantaregional.com/populationdata.