A new study shows that more than half of Indiana’s 92 counties saw strong population growth in 2017.  That’s according to researchers at Indiana University.

Numbers show 55 counties had a population increase last year – the largest number of counties growing since 2008.  Statewide, that added nearly 33,000 thousand residents to the Hoosier state.

IU senior demographer Matt Kinghorn says Indiana’s birth rate remains low, so migration to the state is largely creating that increase.  He says many communities with large growth are actively seeking it.

“A lot of communities are, you know, focusing on quality of life initiatives, trying to have the amenities that will draw young people to the community.”

The study shows Indiana’s six fastest-growing counties are all near Indianapolis, with Boone and Hamilton counties topping the list.

On the other end, 37 counties lost population in 2017.  IPR area Blackford County showed the second-largest rate of decline and Miami County showed the fourth-largest.