Vogelsbergkreis in the census check: Why surprise the population

Vogelsbergkreis in the census check: Why surprise the population

In the Vogelsberg district, the concern for the correctness of the census data in 2022 is getting louder. Many town hall chiefs express skepticism about the determined population figures that document a disturbing decline compared to previous years. The values indicate a trend that could not only affect the offices, but also the financial planning of the municipalities.

For example, those responsible in the municipality of Wartenberg report that the census data indicate a loss of 11 percent in the population - that means 429 fewer residents compared to 2011. Mayor Dr. Olaf Dahlmann cannot understand this drastic decrease. According to his perception, the housing markets in the region are lively and there are always new owners or tenants when real estate is free. "The attractive location, the good infrastructure and the family -friendly offers do not expect a massive decline," emphasizes the mayor.

inconsistencies in the numbers

The incumbents in Homberg are similarly skeptical, where a decrease from 7.3 percent to 7,014 inhabitants was determined. Mayor Simke Ried sees the number of census as not conclusive and speaks of a discrepancy that has been shown in the statistics for many years. "We always have to work with two figures: the official of the State Statistical Office and one from our own registration register," she explains. It does not believe in a decline in the population and refers to the upcoming developments that could arise from large construction projects for the settlement of companies and the connection to motorways.

in the city of Schlitz, which currently registered 720 less with 9,109 inhabitants than in 2011, there is also concern. Mayor Heiko Siemon emphasizes that the possible financial losses of the census numbers are still unclear, but urgently need to be discussed. "The discrepancy between the registration data and the number of census must be critically questioned," he demands, referring to the continued high need for new living space in the region.

The census with mixed feelings is also viewed in the neighboring Lauterbach. Mayor Rainer-Hans Vollmöller reports a loss of 887 inhabitants, which corresponds to a decline of around 4.6 percent. "Although we have to refer to the figures, there are still many open questions," he says concerned in view of the upcoming data review by the Hessian Statistical Office.

generalized can be said that many municipalities in the Vogelsberg district run against the census numbers storm and strive for a new review. The key to rapid clarification could be in a transparent cooperation with the statistical offices. The mayors are aware that they are also dependent on the exact numbers to apply for funds and to effectively plan the municipal budget.

The discrepancies related to the number of census throw a light on a bigger problem: the reliability of detectors and the value of statistical surveys. Ultimately, it is the citizens who may feel the consequences through the inaccurate data, be it through changed funding or a lack of infrastructure that cannot be utilized due to incorrect population forecast.

The skepticism in the town halls remains and will certainly be discussed even more intensely in the coming months, while the detailed results from Wiesbaden are expected. Mayors who want to use the data to be corrected could find a vote in a sent working group to draw attention to grievances and to bring about a solution. The upcoming steps are therefore crucial for future planning and development in the Vogelsberg district.