The Haines Borough’s population increased last year
to 2,257 from 2,241.
Although slight, the 16-person increase marks the second consecutive
year of population growth following a five-year decline that started in 2000 and makes the
town one of only a few in Southeast to see growth, according to figures released this week
by the state.
Juneau, Skagway, Petersburg, Ketchikan, Craig and Angoon all lost
population in 2007, according to state figures. Wrangell and Hoonah were among towns
seeing an increase.
State demographer Greg Williams characterized the Haines numbers as
"pretty flat." The local population reached 2,392 in 2000. Numbers comparing
regions of the state were not available, but the Southeast population is regarded by the
state as stagnant or declining.
Combined with a 2006 population increase of 35, the Haines numbers are
encouraging, said borough manager Robert Venables.
"The numbers are significant because a number of the revenues we
receive (from state and federal governments) are population based. It’s also a
feather in our cap that we’re one of the only communities in the region to be stable
and growing," Venables said.
