FREEHOLD — New population estimates show that 645,349 people now live in Monmouth County, an increase of 30,048 residents, or 4.9 percent, since the 2000 U.S. Census, according to a press release from the county.
“This underscores what we have all known for years, that Monmouth County — with its pristine beaches, county parks, library system and commitment to education — is a very desirable place to live,” Freeholder Director Thomas J. Powers said. “It also shows why we need to preserve the open spaces we have, so future generations can enjoy the same quality of life we are enjoying now.”
The estimates, dated Jan. 1, and prepared by staff of the Monmouth County Planning Board, serve as the official population estimates for the county. The county Planning Board approved these population estimates at its May meeting, according to thepress release.
Ten municipalities — Manalapan, Marlboro, Freehold Township, Tinton Falls, Howell, Upper Freehold, Holm-del, Aberdeen, Wall and Middletown — accounted for 76 percent of the increase.
Population declined in seven municipalities, six of which are in the coastal region. They are Asbury Park, Avon, Deal, Hazlet, Lake Como, Sea Girt and Spring Lake Heights.
The one-year increase from Jan. 1, 2004, to Jan. 1, 2005, was 6,317 people, or 1.0 percent. The top 10 municipalities in population gains are Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Howell, Upper Freehold, Marlboro, Freehold Town-ship, Manalapan, Ocean, Middletown and Millstone. These top 10 municipalities accounted for 85 percent of the overall one-year increase.
Joseph Rettagliata, chairman of the Monmouth County Planning Board, said, “The findings of the survey indicated that Monmouth County’s population continued its steady but manageable growth rate. From 1990 to 2000, Monmouth County grew at an annual rate of 1.1 percent.”
Each year, the staff of the Mon-mouth County Planning Board conducts a survey, by municipality, of certificates of occupancy for new residential construction, conversions of seasonal housing to year-round housing and demolitions of existing housing in the county.
The change in the number of occupied year-round homes in conjunction with the average household size for each municipality provides a basis to estimate population changes between Census of Population surveys.
The last U.S. Census was conducted in 2000 and the next U.S. Census will be conducted in 2010.