Lincoln County’s population grew by almost 10 percent from 1990to 2000, and community officials say that is good news for thearea.

U.S. Census totals for 2000 gave Lincoln County a population of33,166, which was roughly an 9.8 percent increase over its 1990population of 30,278. Actual census numbers also exceeded a 1999estimate of 32,105.

Chandler Russ, executive vice-president of theBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, said growth in theneighborhood of 9.5 percent is “solid, manageable growth.”

“It’s healthy growth that allows us to plan infrastructure needsin a timely manner,” Russ said.

Russ said the growth was not an explosion that would placeburdens on taxpayers and citizens to fund projects to meet needs ofa suddenly-larger population.

Other community leaders indicated the new census totals were inline with expectations.

“I thought we’d grow at least 10 percent,” said Tillmon Bishop,Lincoln County chancery clerk and county administrator. “That’sgood news for the county.”

Commenting on statewide totals, Dist. 92. Rep. Dr. Jim Barnettexpressed similar comments.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Barnett said. “I don’t know what it’sgoing to do to redistricting.”

Russ said census information on a county basis is all that hasbeen released. He said that is sufficient for congressionalredistricting, which is to be done in state legislative specialsession later this year.

Other demographic information, such as city population totals,are expected around July, Russ said.

Census 2000 totals show a racial breakdown and population reviewof citizens over age 18.

Of Lincoln County’s 33,166 in 2000, 23,010 were white, or 69percent, and 9,839 were black, of 29 percent. The remainingpopulation was divided among Hispanic or Latino, American Indian,Asian and Pacific Islander groupings.

Of the county’s 30,278 in 1990, 21,162 were white, almost 68percent, and 9,038 were black, or 31 percent.

In voting-age population totals for 2000, 24,324 of LincolnCounty’s 33,166 citizens were over age 18. Of those, 17,407 werewhite, 6,716 were black and 201 were other.

Age-related population numbers for 1990 were listed on apercentage basis, with 71.7 percent of the county’s 30,278 citizensrecorded as being over age 18.

Lincoln County’s net population gain from 1990 to 2000 is 2,888.On a percentage basis, Russ said that put the county among thefastest-growing in the state, and it was also good in an areacomparison.

Russ said the growth will help Brookhaven and Lincoln Countyefforts in recruiting new business and industry and with existingindustry.

“I don’t see that slowing down any,” Russ said. “They’re primedand ready for growth.”