A report by the Community Vitality Center says Washington County’s rural population has grown since 2000, contrary to a majority of counties in Iowa.  The center, located at Iowa State University, researches and compares urban and rural populations in Iowa counties.  According to the report, the total population in Washington County’s incorporated areas has actually decreased since 2000, while the county’s rural population increased by nearly 1,000 people.

63 percent of people live in incorporated areas in Washington County, which is down one and a half percent from 2000.  37 percent live in unincorporated areas, up one and a half percent from 2000.

Since 1990, overall population in both types of areas has increased.