New Population Figures Disputed by City Official

A Strongsville official is disputing the accuracy of 2010 U.S. Census figures that show the city grew by only 892 people in the last decade.

City Planner Bob Hill said the new population count -- 44,750 -- seems low. He had estimated the population would be closer to 47,000.

"I really think it's low," he said.

Hill said he tallied the number of permits for new single-family homes issued between 2000 and October 2009 and found that 1,256 new houses were built in Strongsville during that time.

Figuring each household size at 2.3 people, that means an additional 2,888 residents in the last 10 years. 

"Either we have a huge vacancy rate, or something doesn't add up," Hill said.

The vacancy rate is not huge, according to the new census numbers, which show that 817 of the city's 18,476 housing units are unoccupied -- about 4 percent. That figure includes all types of housing, including single-family homes and apartments.

Hill said he did not know whether there a mechanism for challenging the figures or if Strongsville would want to pursue that avenue.

"We'll have to look into that," he said.