Census data released Thursday shows central Ohio grew more in 2023, which is more than any year since the pandemic.
The population estimates show the 10-county central Ohio area grew by about 18,200 residents between July 2022 and July 2023. The area has grown by 38,376 since July 2020.
Delaware County had the most growth of any Ohio county, adding about 5,100 residents just last year. The county has grown by 16,470 since 2020.
Franklin County had the second strongest population boom last year at 4,333, but saw smaller net growth since 2020 because the population shrank in 2021.
Fairfield and Licking counties, with additions of about 2,400 and 1,400 respectively, were also in the top 10 Ohio counties with the most growth from 2022 to 2023.
Only one county in the census-designated metropolitan area lost residents. Hocking County saw a population decrease of about 275 last year, and 500 since July 2020.
The U.S. Census defines the central Ohio region as Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union counties.
Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located, lost the most residents. In four years, the county has seen a net decrease of about 31,690 people.
