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Census Tracts Reflect Area's Rapid Growth

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By KEVIN WIATROWSKI

kwiatrowski@tampatrib.com

Published: February 27, 2009

WESLEY CHAPEL - As they prepare for next year's 2010 Census, Pasco County officials this week revealed one more indication of how much the county has grown in the past decade: The number of census tracts has doubled.

County officials have also expanded the list of "census-designated places" - unincorporated areas, such as Wesley Chapel, with easily defined population centers where census officials will compile tract information to create community profiles.

Census tracts are the basic unit the federal government uses to count population across the country every 10 years.

They're drawn with an eye toward population density, housing concentrations and traffic patterns. They use both natural and man-made features, such as rivers and roads, for boundaries.

The additions to the map bring the number of census tracts from 67 in 2000 to 133 in 2010, reflecting growth in the county's population since 2000, said Deborah Bolduc, who works with Pasco County and helped redraw the boundaries.

In 1990, Pasco had 37 census tracts, a testament to its largely rural character at the time.

The bulk of the map changes are along the county's southern boundary - the State Road 54/S.R. 56 corridor, and in east Pasco, Bolduc said.

The most recent annual population estimate shows Pasco with nearly 100,000 more people than in 2000.

That estimate builds on the 2000 census figure of more than 344,000.

County officials have also added 10 new areas where basic census information will be combined to create community profiles.

That list includes Aripeka, Connerton and Trilby, among others. At the request of county commissioners, other communities may be added to the list, Bolduc said.

The new maps will go to census officials on Monday for review.

If they're approved, the new maps will underpin the house-by-house national headcount scheduled to start in April next year.

The results of that count will set the baseline for future government funding in Pasco as well as how much representation residents get in local, state and federal governments.

Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski can be reached at (813) 948-4201.

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