Racine County's population grew by 497 people from 2008 to 2009, according to US Census figures released Thursday.
The Census estimated 200,601 people lived in Racine County in 2009, up from 200,109 people in 2008. The increase amounts to less than 1 percent.
Hispanics accounted for most of the county's population increase. Racine County's Hispanic population increased by 736 people last year, a 3.5 percent increase over 2008.
The increase was slightly offset by a decline in the county's non-Hispanic population. (Hispanics are considered an ethnicity, not a race, so they are not directly comparable to African Americans, Caucasians, Asians, American Indians and others.)
Non-Hispanics in Racine County declined by 244 people from 2008 to 2009, according to the Census.
Racine County's neighbors saw population increases, as well.
Kenosha County added 1,037 people from 2008 to 2009, according to the Census, while Walworth County added 55 people. Milwaukee County grew by 5,548 people.
Statewide, population grew by 27,164, according to the Census.
The state's Hispanic population grew by 11,200 people, or 0.4 percent, from 2008 to 2009. It's increased 55 percent since 2000.
The state's non-Hispanic population grew by 15,964 people, or 0.3 percent, according to the Census. It's grown by 3.6 percent since 2000.
