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SUNNY Temp: 66 °F Wind: NNW at 4 mph Monday, July 14, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 11, 2003 The Eagle Point Golf Course, in the foreground, has been a magnet for new housing in Eagle Point, which has grown by more than 21 percent, according to recent U.S. Census figures. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Facts v. Reality Cities try to balance census figures with what they see around them By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune If U.S. Census figures offer snapshots of community life, the latest numbers provide a picture that’s already out of focus in several Southern Oregon cities. From reports of skyrocketing growth in Eagle Point and Central Point to a recorded population drop in Talent, the data from July 2002 doesn’t lie — but it doesn’t reflect subsequent changes, either. Population in Eagle Point rose from 4,798 to 5,822 — more than 21 percent — between April 2000 and July 2002, according to census figures released Wednesday. But that gain, which ranks Eagle Point as the second-fastest growing city in Oregon, pales next to city officials’ actual estimates. "We figure, based on our data, that we’ve got 7,000 people out here now," said Eagle Point City Planner Bunny Lincoln. "Everybody’s moving here." Advertisement Census data can’t keep up with growth fueled by diverse housing offerings, low interest rates and the attraction of small-town life, said City Administrator Dave Hussell. "It’s been increasing each year," he said. "Everybody’s saying, ‘How long can it last?’" He figures it will last until the city’s urban growth boundary is maxed out, which could occur in the not-too-distant future. "It’s coming to a screeching halt," Hussell said. "But what I see right now is a drive to acquire land." Such a slow-down may already be occurring in Central Point, though residents wouldn’t know it from census figures. New data places the city’s growth rate between April 2000 and July 2002 at 10 percent, from a population of 12,561 to 13,818. That makes Central Point the third-fastest growing city above 10,000 population in Oregon. But the spike could be leveling out, said Planning Director Tom Humphrey. Fewer issued building permits, fewer available homes and higher prices for those that exist indicate that Central Point may begin to grow more gradually. Still, Humphrey added, local residents will recognize signs of growth all around them. "It’s most noticeable in the city’s parks and rec program," Humphrey said. "And it’s probably why this year’s Fourth of July parade was so well- attended." Across the valley in Talent, however, city officials are more perplexed by census figures that show the city’s population dropped by 1.1 percent over the period. That’s 64 people, down from 5,589 in April 2000 to 5,525 in July 2002. "It’s a little confusing," said City Administrator Betty Wheeler. "How can we be losing people when we’re building homes?" Of course, the figures don’t reflect the lifting of a city building moratorium in January 2002. Next time census workers count Talent residents, they’ll be in for a surprise, Wheeler said. "People feel like there’s more activity going on here, but it hasn’t reached an offensive point," she said. "You still don’t have to wait too long in the Tark’s line to get your groceries." Census figures are based on birth and death records, IRS tax returns and other indicators of population changes. Results were not nearly as dramatic elsewhere in Jackson County. Census figures showed that Phoenix grew nearly 6 percent, and that Jacksonville fell by four-tenths of a percent, but those were the widest swings. Medford’s population, for instance, remained virtually stagnant, posting 2 percent growth, from 63,387 in April 2000 to 64,653 in July 2002. That makes Medford Oregon’s seventh-largest city, tucked somewhere between Hillsboro and Bend. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times