The Villages Micropolitan Statistical Area ranks as fastest growing in the nation

By DAVID R. CORDER, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — It doesn’t surprise Ron and Terri Benigno that recently released census estimates ranked The Villages last year as the nation’s fastest-growing nonmetropolitan community.

This historic achievement gave Ron and Terri, Village of Mulberry Grove residents who moved to The Villages about five years ago from Las Vegas, an opportunity to compare their experiences here with their visits to Pahrump, Nev., the third fastest-growing nonmetropolitan community.

“In The Villages, it’s about golf and people,” Terri said in explaining the difference between the 14 years the couple resided in Nevada’s southernmost region. “Everybody is so friendly here in The Villages. No matter where you go, people say hello to you. Now that we have all these stores here, I cannot imagine anybody moving away.”

The micropolitan statistical report the Census Bureau released earlier this month added a new perspective to population estimates the federal agency released about three weeks ago, which ranked Sumter County as the nation’s 11th fastest-growing county in 2007. It is the first time The Villages earned the No. 1 ranking since its designation in 2003 as a micropolitan statistical area.

“It is the fastest-growing micropolitan statistical area from 2006 to 2007,” confirmed Greg Harper, a Census Bureau demographer.

Quality versus quantity

In its definitions, the federal agency classifies a micropolitan area as one or more counties with an urban core of at least 10,000 people but less than 50,000.

That compares with a metropolitan statistical area — one or more counties with an urban core of at least 50,000 people. The Orlando-Kissimmee MSA, for instance, covers Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties.

The micropolitan classification is even more revealing, considering The Villages area includes only Sumter’s population. It does not count any of The Villages residents who live in Lake or Marion counties.

While the numbers impressed him, Sumter County Commission Chairman Dick Hoffman viewed The Villages Micropolitan Statistical Area’s population increases in much the same way as Terri and Ron.

Each considered the population gains in The Villages Micropolitan Statistical Area more in terms of quality of life than numbers.

“I have noticed we continue to attract a very experienced group of new residents who have a wide variety of backgrounds,” Hoffman said. “They’re adding a benefit to the entire county.
“These residents get involved in volunteer work even outside The Villages,” Hoffman offered as an example. “It’s real positive for our county. We have an outstanding group of residents, and they’re making the community even better.”

Still, it’s nice to have bragging rights, Hoffman acknowledged.

“I’m glad we’re among the top, but being No. 1 is even better,” he added.
Economic benefits

The value of such population estimates is considerable, said Rick Thrasher, executive director of the Sumter County Economic Development Council.

“Yes, it has real value in a number of areas, specifically with economic development,” Thrasher said.

This is particularly true, Thrasher added in agreement with Hoffman, when considering the nature of the residents in The Villages — a 55-plus age demographic known for its active and vibrant lifestyle.

“That means there are a significant number of highly talented and experienced retired people who are likely quite interested in part-time, productive employment,” Thrasher said.

Such a demographic gives Thrasher another tool in his business-recruitment effort, which ultimately benefits residents in terms of new products, services and employment opportunities.
“I also can tell you without any hesitancy whatsoever the work-force measurements have become one of the very prime measurement factors for companies starting, expanding or relocating into the area,” Thrasher said.

Having worked in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thrasher also possessed enough insight to make comparisons between The Villages MSA and the mostly western U.S. communities that populate the top 10 list of fastest-growing micropolitan areas. He was familiar with the two Utah communities that ranked in the top 10.

“Utah has two things,” Thrasher said. “No 1, it has one of the highest birth rates in the country. That’s largely generated by long winters. The other thing is they have one of the highest education attainment rates in the country.”

In comparison, Thrasher said, The Villages MSA possesses more in common with St. Marys, Ga., which ranked No. 10 on the top 10 list.

“Understand (The Villages MSA), is a lifestyle destination,” Thrasher said. “So is St. Mary’s. Some places out west are career destinations.”

What is happening in The Villages MSA in terms of population growth is similar to what is occurring in Florida and elsewhere, said Sean M. Snaith, Ph.D., and director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida.

“First, we’ve got a wave of population moving in at retirement age, the baby boomers,” said Snaith, referring to the U.S. population segment of about 80 million residents born between 1946 and 1964. “That’s going to continue to drive population growth in general.”

David R. Corder is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9066, or at david.corder@thevillagesmedia.com.