When it comes to Georgia's population growth, rural areas have been pegged as areas of decline while metropolitan areas have been praised as areas of growth.
According to new population estimates released this month by the U.S. Census Bureau, one city in South Georgia shrunk the fastest.
The city of Pinehurst in Dooly Countywent from 455 to an estimated 336 residents between 2010 and 2015. While 119 people may be a drop in the bucket for Georgia's population of nearly 10 million, it represents over a quarter of that city's population.
Georgia's fastest-shrinking cities from 2010 to 2015
1. Pinehurst (Dooly County): -26.2 percent
2. Pulaski (Candler County): - 23.7 percent
3. Blairsville (Union County): -16.1 percent
4. Cochran (Bleckley County): -15.4 percent
5. Fort Valley (Peach County): -12.4 percent
6. Newton (Baker County): -9.2 percent
7. Woodbine (Camden County): -9 percent
8. Woodland (Talbot County): -8.9 percent
9. Oglethorpe (Macon County): -8.8 percent
10. Shellman (Randolph County): -8.7 percent
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Of the top cities, Fort Valley lost the most residents (1,218 residents) while Woodland lost the least (41 residents).
Dooly County and Pinehurst officials disagreed with the census data, arguing that computer models forecasting the decline of rural populations are premature.
Dooly County Commisioner Terrell Hudson denied the idea of a large exodus from his district.
"None of us think we're looking at a decline in population that the forecasters show," Hudson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We don't see it happening."
Instead, he attributed the seemingly steep population decline to the Dooly County Jail.
There were 138 prisoners at the county jail in 2010 and 47 in 2015, according to Hudson. The Dooly County Justice Center did not immediately verify these numbers.
"We have a county jail that has had several inmates in the past," Hudson said. "We're not housing federal inmates any longer."
The census counts people residing in institutional facilities such as correctional facilities in its population estimates.
The decline in prisoner population would account for three-quarters of Pinehurst's city population decline.
Hudson said other population indicators, like number of water meters and residential trash cans, have not decreased significantly.
Hudson admitted his district may not be a strong candidate for attracting new young families, but it retains a lot of its existing population and is a good choice for retirees.
"No, we're not going to grow like Cherokee County," he added. "But we're not dying and going away."
Connie Christmas, mayor of Pinehurst, also disagreed with the government data, citing city records indicating Pinehurst had a population of 415, not 336, in 2015. However, that would still be a decrease of 8.8 percent, which would still keep Pinehurst in the top ten list.
Mayor Christmas said the city has strong job opportunities, especially in the agriculture business, and good quality housing.
"Our community is a thriving community," Mayor Christmas told the AJC. "Our community is very family oriented and have been for a very long time. The land and farms are passed down in families. A lot of those younger people are staying in the community, and we are proud of that."
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