The 2020 population numbers have been released with the newest numbers for Lexington County.

In “The Quails” flying area, the Town of Gaston was the only town that showed growth.

The towns of Pelion and Swansea both lost population.

You wonder why this is important?

Town services are partially funded by resident taxes. When the number of residents living in town increases, so does the tax revenue. However, if population decreases, revenue goes down.

Local businesses feel the pain with fewer local customers shopping in their stores.

The Town of Gaston showed a 0.59% increase up to 1,719 residents living within the town limits.

The Town of Pelion had a loss of 6.4% down to 631 residents.

The Town of Swansea had the largest drop, down 12.7% to 722 residents.

Swansea’s loss was the largest in Lexington County the US Census Bureau said.

Next week look for the start of high school football. Pelion will visit Wagener - Salley for its opener.

Swansea had to cancel its opener against Airport due to a covid 19 incident. Their opener will be Aug. 27 at home against Dreher.

Until next week, fly safely.