Bryan County experienced a 29 percent growth rate since 2000, according to 2010 U.S. Census data.

The county’s population grew from 23,417 in 2000 to 30,233 in 2010, marking a smaller increase than the one anticipated by county officials.

“Our county has predominantly been a bedroom community (to Savannah),” County Administrator Phil Jones said Tuesday. “We projected a higher growth rate, about 44 percent, but we didn’t quite meet that (projection). Still, our growth is significantly higher than most of the counties in the state of Georgia.”

According to data from Jones, the county’s population was 10,151 in 1980 and 15,438 in 1990. Steady growth rates in both Bryan and Effingham counties show that many people enjoy living in those counties while having access to jobs and entertainment and cultural venues in the Savannah area, Jones said.

“There are those who are anti-growth, but I believe growth is a good thing, and as long as it’s controlled and monitored, we can provide services (to Bryan County residents),” he said.

For more, pick up a copy of the March 23 edition of the News.