Butler County’s population continues to rise, and the Southwest continues to be the major driver of the growth.

Butler County added about 900 people in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent estimates.

The biggest additions were 322 people to Adams Township, 287 to Cranberry Township, 266 to Valencia Borough and 199 to Jackson Township.

Of the growing municipalities, Cranberry Township has showed the biggest growth since the 2010 census. The township has grown from 28,098 people in 2010 to 30,762 in its 2017 estimate.

Butler City has 63 less people while Butler Township has 69 less people, according to the 2017 estimates.

Butler Township has fluctuated at times, but Butler City has consistently decreased in population since the 2010 census. The city has decreased by 650 people with a population of 13,107, according to the 2017 estimate.

City Councilman Jeff Smith said the city's concentration of social services make it an ideal place for those that need them regularly to stay for a time, but leave when they no longer need the services.

Butler City Mayor Ben Smith said he has seen a good trend in young people moving to the city. He said the city has been working to meet what people are considering a modernized city.

A full story will appear in the Butler Eagle.