The 2009 population data recently released provides more positive news for the Peoria MSA.   The City of Peoria saw a growth in population for the 6th straight year.  The 1.16% increase in population is also the largest growth the city has seen in at least nine years.  Jim McConoughey, President  and CEO of The Heartland Partnership says “This is great news.  During the recession of 1980’s, people left the area because there were no jobs, but this time around people are coming to the area during the recession.  It shows we are doing things right and people want to be here.”

City of Peoria

2000    113,028
2001    112,705
2002    112,847
2003    112,588
2004    112,785
2005    112,921
2006    113,388
2007    113,726
2008    114,200
2009    115,520

Peoria MSA

2000    366,899
2001    365,146
2002    365,454
2003    364,769
2004    366,024
2005    367,334
2006    368,746
2007    371,015
2008    372,638
2009    375,865