Flagler: Fastest Growing County in Country

By Alan Gionet

PALM COAST, FL -- Not the hyper-developing suburbia of Washington D.C., not the desert towns rising from the dust of Nevada, or the Texas sized sprawl between San Antonio and Dallas; nowhere is there a higher rate of growth than the First Coast. The latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Flagler County is the only county in the country with double digit growth between 2003 and 2004. It tops the list of the fastest growing counties in the country. Sixty miles south of Jacksonville, Flagler County marks the halfway point between the narrow streets and historic aura of St. Augustine and Daytona, which has earned its character with modern party weeks, spring break, bikers or family vacationers. University of Florida researchers predicted Flagler County would be the fastest growing several years ago. The U-S Census Bureau says Flagler grew by ten-point-one percent in the year that ended last July first. Neighboring St. Johns County also made the top ten. It's in at ninth place with 6.7 percent growth. Bob Aiken had mixed emotions when he learned about it. He knows it will be good for his real estate business, but he worries about his quality of life. Aggressive marketing campaigns started Flagler's first influx of retirees from the North. Housing prices have been low, but with the statewide median home price jumping 25 percent in February, prices are on the way up. Other counties rounding out the top ten include some in the Midwest. California, Arizona and Colorado were left out this time, while growth in those areas continues. Here's the list: 1. Flagler County, Fla., 10.1 percent 2. Kendall County, Ill., 8.3 percent 3. Loundoun County, Va., 8.1 percent 4. Hanson County, S.D., 7.9 percent 5. Lincoln County, S.D., 7.5 percent 6. Lampasas County, Texas, 7.3 percent 7. Lyon County, Nev., 7.2 percent 8. Camden County, N.C., 7.2 percent 9. St. Johns County, Fla., 6.7 percent 10. Dallas County, Iowa, 6.6 percent.

There's more information at: http://www.census.gov