U.S. Census Bureau: Tyler Area Approaches 200,000 Tyler Morning Telegraph   |   Mar 28, 2008

The Tyler area is approaching 200,000 people, figures released Thursday from the U.S. Census Bureau show.

The population of the Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Smith County, is at 198,705, according to the latest count.

The figure represents the population as of July 1 of last year.

East Texas officials say the population gains show the need for careful planning.

"As a community that draws people from throughout the region to shop, dine, work and seek medical care, the city of Tyler is aggressively implementing our comprehensive plan, Tyler 21, to meet the growing demands for city services," says Tyler Mayor Joey Seeber.

The census bureau said that from 2006 to 2007, the Tyler MSA gained 3,907 residents, a 2 percent population gain.

From 2000 to 2007, the Tyler MSA picked up 23,999 residents. This represents a 13.7 percent population gain.

The Longview MSA, which includes Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties, is now at 203,611, showing a one-year gain of 1,880, or .09 percent.

Since 2000, Longview MSA gained 9,569 residents, a 4.9 percent gain.
Other findings by MSA (including smaller statistical areas, population, and change from 2006 to 2007 include:

• Athens (Henderson County), 78,897, down 52, .1 percent.
• Jacksonville, (Cherokee County) 48,169, up 264, .6 percent.
• Lufkin (Angelina County), 82,812, up 608, .7 percent.
• Marshall (Harrison County), 63,504, up 129, .2 percent.
• Nacogdoches (Nacog-doches County), 62,435, up 613, 1 percent.
• Palestine (Anderson), 56,760, up 286, .5 percent.