Why Has Carroll County Lost Population?

It’s a question on the minds of many: Why has this area lost population?

According to a recent Baltimore Sun report, experts say the recession has fueled home-buying interest in urban areas, thus making Carroll County the place with “the steepest decline in its growth rate over the last decade” in the Baltimore region. 

Tell us in comments: Why do you think the population has declined in Carroll County? Do you think it’s about to rebound?

Carroll County lost about 100 people from mid-2011 to 2012 after a period of growth in the 90s that put “pressure” on school capacities in the area, the Sun reported.

The recent decline in population has translated into a fierce debate over school funding and facility use: Carroll County schools superintendent Steve Guthrie is pushing to hire a consultant to conduct a facilities study as speculation has centered on whether some underutilized schools should be closed.

Also, Carroll County Commissioners Richard Rothschild and Robin Frazier have said that education funding should not increase when student enrollment is declining.

The Carroll County Commissioners and the Board of Education recently agreed to create a joint task force to study the use of school spaces in the county.

See related links:

Commissioner Howard: 'Take a Deep Breath' Before Spending Money on Schools Facilities Study

Commissioner Rothschild Suggests 'Thinking Outside the Box' to Fund Education

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