According to a 1999 population estimate report by the U.S. Census, between 1990 and 1998, Limerick Township, Pennsylvania, was the fourth fastest growing minor civil division* in Pennsylvania, in actual people gained. Only Montgomery Township, Lower Makefile Township, and Cranberry Township gained more people in that period. Limerick Township grew from 6,686 people in 1990 to 13,341 people in 1998, a 99.5% change.

Data from the 2000 census, comparing populations in the U.S. States, shows that Pennsylvania's overall growth in the 1990s was 3.4%--a pittance compared to the western states. The top five growth states in the 90s, by percentage increase in population, were Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. Nevada grew a whopping 66.3%. Pennsylvania ranked 48th in percentage growth increase.

Nevertheless, shifting demographics within Pennsylvania are contributing to a growing urban sprawl problem, as people flee the cities and inner suburbs for literally greener pastures. In the Philadelphia area, the outer-ring suburbs are experiencing rapid growth and expansion, while the city and its older, inner-ring suburbs, are stagnating. A HUD report indicates that this trend affects many cities nationwide.

The following data, from a U.S. Census population estimate for cities, shows the negative growth of Pennsylvania's six largest cities, from April, 1990, through July, 1999.

City Population in April, 1990 Population in July, 1999 Total gained or lost Percent change Philadelphia 1,585,577 1,417,601 -167,976 -10.6% Pittsburgh 370,139 336,882 -33,257 -9.0% Allentown 105,473 100,160 -5,313 -5.0% Scranton 81,914 73,766 -8,148 -9.9% Reading 77,864 73,778 -4,086 -5.2% Bethlehem 71,855 69,511 -2,344 -3.3%