The City of Lethbridge is on the cusp of reaching a population of 100,000 people.
The results from the city’s 2018 census, released on Monday, reflect a population of 99,769 residents, an increase of 1.6% — or 1,571 — people since the last count in 2017.
The west side recorded the largest increase in residents, rising by 875 people or 2.24% to 39,960.
The south side saw a population increase of 1.42% or 449 people to 32,109.
North Lethbridge saw the smallest increase at 247 people or 0.9% and came in at 27,700.
“Lethbridge consistently demonstrates a sustainable, healthy rate of growth,” said Mayor Chris Spearman.
“This stable growth allows the City of Lethbridge to plan effectively for the future of our community.”
The census found there to be 42,864 households in 2018.
It found an average of 2.41 people per dwelling.
The average age is 38.1, unchanged from the last census in 2017.
The largest single age group are those between 20 and 24 years old.
The numbers collected from the annual census are used when the city applies for provincial and federal funding for municipal projects like a new fire station in west Lethbridge and Legacy Park in the city’s north end.
The census was conducted from April 1 to 30, 2018.