Washington County by the numbers

The numbers may seem abstract, but the statistical snapshot of Washington County represented by new U.S. Census data signifies some very real, major changes in the social and political landscape.

The 2010 census affirms that Washington County, as in the 1990s, remained one of the fastest-growing counties in Minnesota in the 2000s. It held its place as the fifth-most populous county in the state, adding 37,006 people on top of the 55,234 who were added in the previous decade.

Woodbury, to no one's surprise, led both the state and county in population gains over the past decade among larger cities, increasing by 15,498 or 33.4 percent. Forest Lake wasn't far behind. But Hugo, its neighbor to the south, was the hands-down percentage leader, nearly doubling in population from 6,363 in 2000 to 13,332 (109.5 percent).

Forest Lake grew by an eye-popping 170.3 percent -- the highest in the state -- but the number comes with a big asterisk: A lot of that growth came when the city annexed the now-defunct Forest Lake Township between the two censuses. For a fairer comparison, the populations of the city and township were a combined 14,440 in 2000, and the newly configured city's population was 18,375 in 2010, still a robust gain of 27.2 percent.

The growth in all three cities shows no signs of letting up, despite the shaky economy. Officials in all three cities cite commonalities for their growth: optimal locations for commuters with access to good transportation, strong local businesses, attractive amenities such as parks, recreation and good schools and diverse types of housing that fit a variety of needs.

Growth was anticipated

Woodbury's population increase is very close to what city planners had anticipated, said Dwight Picha, Woodbury's community development director. While the economy is still regaining its footing, groundwork is being laid now for a push of development in the southern part of the city near the new East Ridge High School. Part of those plans involve a massive sewer project expected to begin this spring.

Forest Lake's building boom was sidetracked only temporarily by the recession, said Mayor Chris Johnson. "We're kind of in the middle of a growth spurt -- we have a lot of areas open for prime development," he said.

Forest Lake is expected to more than double its population within 20 years, to more than 40,000, he said. "The story has always been that Woodbury always has significant growth," Johnson said. "But I think we'll have an even bigger decade than they will."

The transformation of Hugo between the two censuses has been extraordinary. "I've been here through it all," said Mike Ericson, the city administrator who came on board 11 years ago.

"The key is, we have the land," he said. "You have to have the land."

When cow pastures and cornfields began changing into housing tracts in earnest, the city actually called a moratorium on development in 2000, he said. It gave the city time it needed to develop a comprehensive plan to map out how the city would develop.

With the housing growth came a new City Hall, new public works building, 13 parks, a new elementary school and a variety of local businesses.

Minorities increase

Claudia and Victor Velasco moved to Cottage Grove shortly after the 2000 census to be closer to Claudia's mother. There were few other Hispanic families then, but definitely a lot more now, Claudia says.

The numbers bear that out. The proportion of minorities in Washington County has exploded in the past decade, about doubling in the larger cities. Hispanics are helping fuel that growth.

Earlier this month, the Velascos opened El Sol Super Mercado, a market specializing in Hispanic and Latino products. The first month is going well, she said, and the idea grew out of a need to serve a growing population.

Even though Washington County will see substantial "graying" of its population by 2030, it won't become the oldest metro county. Census projections show Scott County with the fastest rate of aging, followed by Carver County. Washington County is third.

In sheer numbers of residents 60 and older, Hennepin will rank first, followed by Ramsey, Dakota and Anoka counties. Washington County will fall into fifth place among the seven metro counties.

Barbara Dacy, who heads the county's Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), said a clear and unsettling trend is developing: a "huge mismatch" between the modest pace of senior housing construction and the larger projected demand.

"There seems to be a shortage right now," Dacy said. "Look at our current economic situation. Governments are strapped."

Political implications

Once that process is complete, boundaries for city and county precincts will also be redrawn.

Redrawing county commissioner districts will be the last step in the long redistricting process, said Kevin Corbid, who oversees county elections. "It's kind of a domino effect."

By February, the legislature is expected to have the congressional and legislative districts remapped. Cities then draw their precincts based on that, with completion due in April 2012.

Counties then draw up precincts for commissioners based on what the cities do.

Based on the 2000 census, each of the five Washington County commissioners represents 40,226 residents. The new numbers show they will represent 47,627 residents, assuming the board is not expanded to seven members.