The United States Census Bureau has released population estimates up to July of 2008. The estimates show that several cities around the Wiregrass are growing rapidly

According to population estimates, the city of Enterprise is one of the fastest growing metropolitans in the state.

The growing number of real estate properties is just one example of expansion.

Off of Rucker Boulevard, you'll notice row after row of new townhomes going up. That's because census estimates show that Enterprise has grown 20% since the year 2000 with 4% of that between 2007 and 2008. That's nearly a thousand new residents in just one year.

Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell says he can think of a few reasons the population is growing.

"The quality of life has a lot to do with it. We have beautiful parks and the cost of living is one of the major issues. Property taxes are low here,” says Boswell. “We've seen a large influx of citizens coming from the coast where there has been extremely inclement weather and they're only 90 miles from the beach so they can live here and enjoy the water and fun and sun as well."

Mayor Boswell believes the population increase could mean you're better taken care of and the city will qualify for more grant money for certain projects.

"There are so many grant dollars that if you're not in a specific populous bracket you miss out on," says Boswell.

The rising number of residents also helps when it comes to bringing in new businesses and keeping the ones already in place.

"Businesses come where the people are coming," says Phil Thomas with the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce. "Growth is crucial for recruiting new business and industry. a growth rate of about 20 percent over the past eight years or so is very important to help us attract new businesses and expand existing businesses in the area."

For many cities sudden growth can be a strain on infrastructure needs. But Mayor Boswell says Enterprise is fortunate that they planned for growth.

"We went ahead and added the water systems and acquired the additional sewer systems and although we have seen that growth we have also revised our 5 year plan so we're getting ready for additional growth," says Boswell.

The next official census is in 2010 and Enterprise officials believe the population will be even higher than the estimates.