That Effingham County’s population has been growing is no mystery. By how much, though, wasn’t known until the Census figures were revealed.

The county’s population swelled by 39.2 percent from the 2000 Census, with the county adding 14,715 people from the previous count of 37,535. The 2010 Census pegged the county’s population at 52,250.

“I think certainly being one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Georgia makes us an attractive place to live,” said Randy Shearouse, the superintendent of Effingham County Schools and the president of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce. “As long as you’re growing — and I think everyone wants controlled growth — you’re moving forward and I think it means exciting things are happening.”

For the complete story, see Tuesday's edition of the Effingham Herald.