Fishers special census puts population at almost 88,000

Results from a partial census count in Fishers put the suburb’s population at 87,887—an increase of 14.4 percent since 2010.

The population boost means more tax dollars will flow into the city. Several tax distributions, including distributions from the motor vehicle highway fund, cigarette and tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and riverboat wagering, are based on certified population figures counted once every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In fast-growing suburbs, that means communities can miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. In 2010, the population in Fishers was 76,794.

The special census cost Fishers $394,037—under budget by nearly $56,000.

The population increase should allow the city to collect an additional $2.3 million in state funding through 2021. Before conducting the count, the city estimated the updated population figure could generate $1.8 million.

Westfield also recently completed its special census count that showed a population increase of 22 percent since 2010—from 30,068 to 36,854. Westfield expects to collect $1 million in new state revenue until the next census goes into effect.

Carmel and Whitestown are also pursuing special census counts, but new population figures have not been determined yet.