According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Ardmore is the largest city in Carter County, but Lone Grove is growing at a much faster pace.
Ardmore grew by 1,065 people (4 percent) from 2000 through July 2008, reaching a total population of 24,810. During the same period, Lone Grove grew to more than 5,000 residents (up 14 percent). Dickson has grown 10 percent since 2000 with the addition of 123 new residents.
At the time of the 2000 Census, Wilson had 1,584 residents. Eight years later, it had 1,634, for a growth rate of 3 percent. Healdton showed a very slight population dip, losing 4 residents since 2000.
In Marshall County, Kingston’s population topped 1,500 people, up 13 percent since 2000. Madill grew by 305 residents for a gain of 8 percent. In Jefferson County, Ringling’s population fell by 91 people, for a loss of 8 percent.
Neither Sulphur nor Davis in Murray County grew significantly in the eight years since 2000. Sulphur (4,838) added 43 residents; Davis (2,636) added 24.
Tishomingo in Johnson County recorded a similar zero percent growth rate, adding 17 residents in eight years. The Love County town of Marietta was home to 2,530 people in 2008, growing by 85 people, or up 3 percent, since 2000.
Oklahoma City, with an estimated population of 551,789 in 2008, is the largest city in the state. Oklahoma City grew by an estimated 9 percent in the eight years since 2000. In contrast, Tulsa, the state’s second largest city, lost 7,481 residents during that same period.
The Census Bureau produces estimates using indicators such as birth and death records, Internal Revenue Service documents, building permits and mobile home shipments to compile the data.
During the next national census, which will take place in 2010, the government will try to count every American. The official census figures determine the allocation of congressional seats, electoral votes and government program funding.
