Census numbers across the city

Hatters may not be surprised that the south end of town is leading the city in population growth, but perhaps surprised that those new communities are followed closely by mature, central communities in the recently released 2015 city census.

The full results of the recent population count were presented to council on Monday night.

The total population is now considered to be 63,108 — an increase of 1,838, or about three per cent, over the 2012 figure.

The city clerk’s office chalks the change up to organic growth and better participation in this year’s count.

A early evaluation of the document shows that relative increases in Riverside rival burgeoning rates from South Ridge, Saamis Heights, Southlands and nearby rural areas.

Though a much smaller area, Riverside’s population expanded by 167 since 2012 to sit at 2,687 today — marking a growth rate of 6.42 per cent over the last three years.

The southside communities, totalling 16,109 citizens, saw growth rate of 6.84 per cent.

Central communities south of the South Saskatchewan River also fared well with 4.2 per cent growth. That equals about 480 more people living in the River Flats, the Hill areas, Harlow and Downtown. The total was 11,881.

South of the TransCanada Highway is still the largest population base in the city divisions used to evaluate population growth. It is followed by Crescent Heights (East and West) total 13,885 — about even with 2012 figures.

Ross Glen was the only part of the city to show slightly lower population count. It dropped 66 residents to 9,694.

The band of population west of Medicine Hat College to City limits, including Norwood and Crestwood, is home to 8,762.