If it’s starting to feel slightly more crowded here in Lincoln County that’s because it is, according to preliminary data released by the U.S Census Bureau.
The population in the county has risen by 841 people, a 2.5 percent change from 2000 and a 10.7 percent increase from 1990.
Four communities in the county lost population between 2000 and 2010 including Boothbay Harbor, South Bristol, Southport, and Westport Island.
According to a memorandum from Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce to the Lincoln County Commissioners, Boothbay Harbor’s loss appears to be part of a longer-term trend whereas losses in South Bristol, Southport, and Westport Island in the past decade come after solid gains during the 1990-2000 period.
The data showed Edgecomb as the fastest growing community with a 14.6 percent increase in residents.
The rate of population growth decreased sharply in Alna, Bremen, Dresden, Jefferson, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Whitefield.
“Much of the very large gain in housing units might be attributed to two developments,” wrote Faunce. “The conversion of the Sheepscot River Inn property to seasonal housing and the workforce apartment project off Rt. 1.”
The state overall experienced a 4.2 percent increase in population from 2000.