By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Canadian County’s population grew by 33.6% over 10 years, according to the 2020 U.S. Census data.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released population counts from the 2020 Census.
The data shows Canadian County with a population of 154,405, an increase of 38,864 people over the previous decade. Canadian County’s population was 115,541 in the 2010 Census.
Canadian County is, by far, the fastest-growing county by population among the state’s largest counties.
Canadian County remains the fourth largest county in Oklahoma, behind Oklahoma (796,292), Tulsa (669,279) and Cleveland (295,528).
Canadian County Commission Chairman Jack Stewart wasn’t surprised by the county’s strong population growth.
“We have low crime rates, outstanding schools, an excellent quality of life, and lots of recreational opportunities,” said Stewart, of Yukon. “Canadian County just has a great citizenry and people want to live here.”
The large population hike bodes well for Canadian County but also presents challenges, he added.
“It will be good for our economy, with more sales tax and property tax to work with,” Stewart said. “That 33.6% growth in population also means an increased demand on our infrastructure.
“It will require more road improvements, better roads and improved water and sewer systems. Those are needs that will have to be met as Canadian County continues to grow. These are the kind of challenges we want to deal with.”
Canadian County’s population density is 172.2 people per square mile.
OKC METRO GROWTH
Canadian County’s growth is due largely to the increase in the Oklahoma City metro area, which has a 1,425,695 population in the 2020 Census.
That’s up 13.8%, or 172,708 people, from the 2010 Census total of 1,252,987.
“It’s showing that people are moving to the metro area for work, but they want to live in the suburbs outside Oklahoma City,” Stewart said. “We’re very happy they’re choosing Canadian County.”
The newly released census data shows the Oklahoma City metro area growing at a faster pace than the Tulsa County metro area.
The Tulsa County metro increased 8.3% – from 937,478 to 1,015,331 – from the 2010 to 2020 census.
Oklahoma’s statewide population in the 2020 Census totaled 3,959,353, a 5.5% increase from the 2010 Census.
Canadian County had the highest 2020 Census self-response rate among all 77 counties in Oklahoma.
Residents responded to the Census by filling out questionnaires via the Internet, by phone and through the mail.
The census is a survey taken every 10 years to get an overall look at communities across the U.S. and how to better serve them.
The census is used by lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others to help determine funding, congressional representation and more.
The 2020 Census marked the 24th time the country has counted its population since 1790.
Editor’s Note: Read more about the 2020 U.S. Census and local data in an upcoming edition of The Yukon Progress.
