Dixie's growth surges 48%

Washington County's popularity as a favorite home base continues to climb, according to population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The county's population grew by an astounding 48 percent from April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2007, to nearly 134,000 residents, according to the Census Bureau's report.

But even more people have moved into the county since July.

"We're showing almost 141,000 people live in Washington County," said Lecia Parks Langston, regional economist with the Utah Department of Workforce Services. Even while the growth has continued upward, she said it is somewhat slower than in years past.

"We're not the fastest-growing county in Utah anymore, but that's probably a good thing," she said. "We need that time to catch up."

Utah's Dixie also is ranked No. 17 on the Census Bureau's Top 100 list of the nation's fastest-growing counties with a population of 10,000 or more. Washington County's position on the list has steadily risen over the years, moving up from an initial ranking of No. 46 out of 100 in 2003.

Wasatch County fell from its spot as No. 35 in 2006 to its current rank of 43rd on the Top 100 list. The county's population grew by 35 percent from 2000 to 2007 and now has 20,535 residents.

Tooele County also fell in the rankings, from 40th in 2006 to 47th in 2007. Population growth estimates for Tooele County rose 34.8 percent during the 2000-07 time frame, with 54,914 people residing there.

Iron County made its debut on the Top 100 list, growing 28.9 percent from 2000 to 2007, with 43,526 people living there now.

Utah County jumped 10 spots, up from 84th on the Top 100 list in 2006 to its current position as 74th on the list. The county's population surged 31.2 percent from 2000 to 2007 and now boasts 483,702 residents.

Utah County's explosive growth in 2007 can be seen throughout all aspects of government as the county tries to stretch its budget to fit services and people, county leaders say.

And while population growth brings in more property taxes for the county, residents don't pay for themselves, said Utah County Commissioner Gary Anderson.

"We never make money on people who build houses," Anderson said. "It's a serious, serious problem for us."

Growth also taxes the county sheriff's office, although some cities such as Saratoga Springs, one of the state's fastest-growing cities, are forming their own law-enforcement agencies.

Saratoga Springs Police Cpl. Aaron Rosen said police-department leaders want to to expand the department by two to four officers a year as the city grows.