Statistics released last week identify Statesboro as a fast-growing city, and part of one of the most rapidly expanding regions of the country. 
According to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Statesboro’s population experienced an approximate 4.8 percent increase since the release of 2010 Census figures — up to 29,779 residents. During the same time, the population of Bulloch County increased to 72,694 — a 3.5 percent increase.
The growing trend was experienced region-wide, and has placed Statesboro and Bulloch County among elite company.
Based on the estimates released, the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro Combined Statistical Area is the sixth-fastest growing, by percentage of growth, in the United States, edging out places like Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver-Aurora, Colo.; and Orlando-Daytona Beach, Fla.; and finishing just below Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C., and Houston-The Woodlands, Texas.
“It is excellent news and it is very encouraging,” said Phyllis Thompson, the president of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce. “These estimates are evidence that people have liked what they’ve seen about Statesboro and Bulloch County. The sustained growth will continue to support and build the economic status of this city, and promote additional growth moving forward.”
The Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro CSA grew by more than 4 percent since 2010, becoming the second-fastest growing region in Georgia, behind Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, which straddles Georgia and Alabama, and was the third-fastest growing CSA in the nation.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget defines CSAs based on social and economic ties, measured by commuting patterns between adjacent cities and towns.
Overall, OMB recognizes 166 CSAs throughout the country.
In Bulloch County, it is estimated that every municipality increased its population since 2010.
Reports indicate that Brooklet gained nearly 30 residents, Portal, eight, and Register, three.
According to estimates, Statesboro added nearly 1,400 people to its population.
“Both the city and the county really strive to appeal to people who are coming in for the day, or to reside here permanently,” Thompson said. “It seems to me that Statesboro and Bulloch County continue to offer a qualify-of-life that is seldom seen in other communities our size.”
The City of Statesboro ranked 31st among 586 Georgia cities in terms of population size, according on the 2010 Census report; its population increased by more than 24 percent since the previous survey in 2000.
A continued driving factor for the growth has been Georgia Southern University, Thompson said.
“Georgia Southern University has continued to grow,” she said. “This community, for many years, has enjoyed having an institution that can bring people from all over the state and country to Statesboro, where they have a good experience and sometimes decide to stay.”

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.