Census estimate: growth slower in Commerce

The Census released its annual population estimates for every incorporated area Tuesday. The new city estimates are not the 2010 Census population counts, but they are the last estimates to use the 2000 Census results as a base.

By far, Braselton has experienced the most growth since 2000, according to the Census estimates.

The agency predicts that Braselton has grown 391 percent from 1,206 residents in 2000 to 5,924 residents, as of July 1, 2009. Braselton spans Jackson, Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall counties.

Jefferson’s population grew by 106 percent from 3,825 residents in 2000 to 7,917 in 2009, according to the data.

While Commerce started the decade with the most residents in Jackson County, Jefferson now has the largest population in the county, according to the Census.

Commerce grew by 24 percent from 5,292 residents in 2000 to 6,574 residents in 2009.