Pocatello Population Growing Slowly Compared to Neighboring Areas

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Story Published: Mar 29, 2008 at 11:01 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:21 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Pocatello only grew a fraction last year, while area's like Idaho Falls and Twin Falls are among the nation's leaders when it comes to population growth. But city leaders say they aren't too concerned about the information.

The Pocatello Area, which covers Bannock and Power counties, is considered similar to Boise and Idaho falls. But when it comes to growth Idaho Falls increased by 2,200 people last year, and the Pocatello area only gained 470. Pocatello City Mayor, Roger Chase said, "I'm one that likes 1 to 2 percent growth a year. I mean I don't want to see 5, 6 percent growth in the town."

Mayor Chase says if the area grew too fast it would be hard to maintain quality of life, and to accommodate the growth. He also says the data doesn't accurately reflect what's happening in the cities. "I think that when we look at our growth and you throw Power County in with it, it sometimes skews what's happening in Pocatello versus what's happening with the region as a whole."

Mayor Chase adds that the census figures have historically been incorrect because of ISU. And because the amount of money an area receives from the state is based on population, the findings could be challenged. "After a couple of years when it gets so out of wack we'll do just as we did I think it was 2 years ago-we went back and challenged and they made the adjustment on us. So we'll keep an eye on it, and every couple of years we'll make sure that if we need to challenge it we'll challenge it so we get all our tax revenues," said Chase.

An Idaho Department of Labor spokesman says the small growth is tied to a lack of robust economic activity. Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Jackson, Wyoming are also ranked in the top thirty area's with quickly increasing populations.

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