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KAILUA-KONA >> The Big Island’s population is still growing faster than Maui, Kauai and Honolulu according to recently released U.S. Census Bureau data for 2014.
More than 10,500 people became Hawaii residents between 2013 and July 1, 2014. Over 2,700 of those new residents chose to settle down on the Big Island, growing the population by 1.45 percent, West Hawaii Today reported.
Maui saw a 1.39 percent increase and Kauai experienced a 1.14 percent boost. Honolulu saw growth of less than half a percent.
Hawaii is one of five states where the median age of the population statewide is getting younger. Meanwhile, the number of residents over the age of 65 is on the incline.
Research and Economic Analysis administrator Eugene X. Tian that’s a paradox that struck him the most.
“There’s been an increase in younger population, but we’re still one of the oldest states,” Tian said.
About 77 percent of the state’s residents are of minority races. Hawaii is one of five places nationwide to record majority minority populations.
Census data helps the federal government determine how to allocate its budgets, and helps communities decide where to build roads and schools.
