Most of us know about the Census Bureau (www.census.gov) which does a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years with 2010 being the next count. So in between the ten year counts, they make population projections which is what the below figure illustrates. From a real estate value perspective, I like the green areas best. And notice that the southern Blue Ridge Mountains are in the green or are growth areas. These include areas such as Atlanta, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Hiawassee, Murphy, Hayesville, and more!

So what about the future you ask? Well the Census Bureau forecasts a 43% population increase for the south from the years 2000 to 2030, which includes the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. What’s really interesting is when you look at the numbers. That is, the following Interim Population Projections provided by the Census Bureau for April 1, 2000 (actual) to July 1, 2030. In the Unites States, the overall population is expected to increase from 281,421,906 in 2000 to 308,935,581 in 2010 and to 335,804,546 in 2020. For Florida, the overall population is expected to increase from 15,982,378 in 2000 to 19,251,691 in 2010 and 23,406,525 in 2020. For Georgia, the overall population is expected to increase from 8,186,453 in 2000 to 9,589,080 in 2010 and to 10,843,753 in 2020. For North Carolina, the overall population is expected to increase from 8,049,313 in 2000 to 9,345,823 in 2010 and to 10,709,289 in 2020. For South Carolina, the overall population is expected to increase from 4,012,012 in 2000 to 4,446,704 in 2010 and 4,822,577 in 2020. For Tennessee, the overall population is expected to increase from 5,689,283 in 2000 to 6,230,852 in 2010 and 6,780,670 in 2020.

So here’s the logic, more people equals more demand for housing. More demand for housing means the housing slump will eventually improve for the north Georgia mountains area as well as many other areas. You see, it really is all about supply and demand. I believe things will get better when the demand has a chance to work through the supply. When will this happen? I really have no idea… However, my point is that I believe the demand for housing will increase which will help decrease the huge amount of supply.

By the way, where will all these people live?