By Daniel L. Bamberg
The U.S Census results recently revealed that most counties in West Alabama with the exception of Bibb and Tuscaloosa saw decreases in population from 2000 to 2010. Bibb County’s population revealed an increase of 10 percent. With the town of Woodstock (split between both Bibb and Tuscaloosa) showing the greatest growth in population at just fewer than 45%. Brent saw the second greatest increase with nearly 23% and Centreville increase almost 13% in population. West Blocton was the only Bibb County city, which saw a decrease, the city lost nearly 10% of its population from 2000.
While economic experts cited recently in the Tuscaloosa news suggest this is a positive influx for Bibb County’s economy, less than a year ago Bibb County was declared a bedroom community from these very experts. A bedroom community by definition is one where people live within, rarely shop within, and typically do not work within. Some experts actually suggest that when a community becomes a “bedroom” community it actually suffers the economy rather than strengthens it.
Woodstock however seems to be benefiting from its increase as it is considered an extension of the Greater Birmingham Metro area. Having an exit just off of 20-59 nearly directly in between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, provides Woodstock with a chance to see continue growth and a stronger economic future than Brent or Centreville.
Bibb County’s shot in the arm to population stands above as the black belt communities, which saw drastic decreases in citizenry. Greene, Hale, and Perry counties averaged nearly 10% decreases. Fayette, Lamar, Marengo, and Sumter combined for an average of just over 6% in population loss.
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