Sterlington fastest-growing town in state

The mid-year analysis by the U.S. Census Bureau found Sterlington was the fastest growing town in Louisiana.

The Census Bureau has released estimates of population in every town, city and village in the United States as of July 1, 2014.

Sterlington was the fastest-growing town in Louisiana with the largest percentage increase between 2013 and 2014.

Sterlington's population in 2013 was 1,888. That jumped 15.8 percent to 2,187 in 2014.

Sterlington Mayor Vern Breland said for the past decade Sterlington has witnessed rising sales tax, more economic development and increased number of building permits issued each year.

"The latest numbers from the census bureau just confirms what I and the town council already knew. What we are seeing is the continued growth of Sterlington. I am blessed to live in such a wonderful community as Sterlington, with awesome schools, the best town council and police department in the state. Even with the most recent census figures we expect the growth next year to be even higher," Breland said.

That additional growth has come from the addition of Fieldstone Lane Apartments with 114 units and two new subdivisions in different stages of design.

"It is easy to see why Sterlington is leading the state in residential growth but also was 10th in the entire 50 states. It also confirms why our 'Welcome to Sterlington' sign proudly displays 'Faith, Family and Friends,'" Breland said.

Breland said the town's growth is combined with the easy access to CenturyLink and people clamoring to get into the education system. Sterlington Elementary opened in 2011 with a 650-student capacity. Three years later, it's full.

Follow Scott Rogers on Twitter@lscottrogers.