The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the 2020 census data.  The North Country data reflects the nationwide rural population declines.

Peru’s 2020 population increased by 6.2% since 2000; however, between 2010 and 2020, its population declined by 3.3%, from 7,000 to 6,772. Between 2000 and 2010, Peru enjoyed one of the state’s highest growth rates at 9.9%.

The Town of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 11,886 is a 5.3% increase since 2000; however, its population increased by only +0.3% since 2010.

The City of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 19,841 is a 5.2% increase since 2000; however, it declined by 0.8% over the past ten years.

The Town of Altona’s 2020 population of 2,666 declined by 15.6% since 2000 and 7.7% since 2010. Altona is also home to a corrections facility.

The Town of Ausable’s 2020 population declined by 5.5% from 2000  to 3,183; however, it grew by 0.1% between 2010 and 2020.

The Town of Beekmantown’s 2020 population of 5,508 is a 3.7% increase compared to 2000 and a 0.7% decline compared to 2010.   

The Town of Champlain’s 2020 population of 5,745 is a 0.7% decline compared to 2000 and a 0.2% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Clinton’s 2020 population of 652 is an 11.1% decline compared to 2000 and a 10.8% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Dannemora’s 2020 population of 4,037 is 21.6% less than 2000 when it stood at 5,150. Between 2010 and 2020, it fell by 17.6%. The reduced number of inmates at the Clinton Correctional Facility probably accounts for most of that change.

The Town of Ellenburg’s 2020 population of 1,842 is 2.2% higher than in 2000 and 5.6% higher than in 2010.

The Town of Mooers’ 2020 population of 3,467 is 1.8% less than 2000 and 3.6% less than in 2010.

The Town of Saranac’s 2020 population of 3,852 is 5.2% less than 2000 and 3.9% less than 2010.

The Town of Schuyler Falls’ 2020 population of 4,843 is 5.5% less than 2000 and 6.6% less than 2010.

New York State’s 2020 population of 20,201,249 is a 6.5% increase compared to 2000 and 4.2% compared to 2010.

Clinton County’s 2020 population is about the same as in 2000; however, over the past ten years, the county’s population declined by 2.8%, from 82,131 to 79,843. Neighboring Essex County’s 2020 population of 37,381 decreased by 3.8% since 2000 and 5.1% since 2010. Franklin County’s 2020 population of 47,555 decreased by 7% since 2000 and 7.9% since 2010.  Reduced inmate counts at NYS correctional facilities may account for some of the changes. Jefferson County’s 2020 population of 116,721 is 4.5% higher than 2000, but only by 0.4% since 2010. Ft. Drum is undoubtedly a significant factor in its numbers. St. Lawrence County’s 2020 population of 108,505 decreased by 3.1% since 2000 and 3.1% since 2010. Warren County experienced a 3.8% population increase since 2000; however, its population only increased by 30 individuals since 2010.

The Gazette used April 1st, 2000, 2010, and 2020 census totals.

Entity	4/1/00	4/1/10	4/1/20
Altona Town	3,160	2,890	2,666
Ausable Town	3,015	3,146	3,183
Beekmantown Town	5,314	5,546	5,508
Black Brook Town	1,641	1,504	1,453
Champlain Town	5,785	5,754	5,745
Chazy Town	4,173	4,271	4,096
Clinton Town	733	731	652
Dannemora Town	5,150	4,900	4,037
Ellenburg Town	1,802	1,745	1,842
Mooers Town	3,406	3,597	3,467
Peru Town	6,372	7,000	6,772
Plattsburgh City	18,862	20,007	19,841
Plattsburgh Town	11,283	11,847	11,886
Saranac Town	4,063	4,010	3,852
Schuyler Falls Town	5,123	5,183	4,843
Clinton County	79,882	82,131	79,843
Essex County	38,851	39,370	37,381
Franklin County	51,134	51,599	47,555
Jefferson County	111,738	116,229	116,721
St. Lawrence County	111,931	111,944	108,505
Warren County	63,303	65,707	65,737