Special Census results in $1.7 million in revenue for Carmel
A partial special Census conducted in select parts of Carmel during the summer and fall of 2016 has resulted in a new population count for Carmel, adding 7,755 people and bringing Carmel’s official population in 2017 to 86,946 – an increase from 2010 when the city’s official population was 79,191. The number of housing units is now 32,836, up from 30,738 in 2010.
Many tax revenues received by cities are based on population. With Carmel’s growth over the past decade, city officials opted for a partial special census – for which the city took the census in the tracks where there has been a lot of new construction – in order to capture tax revenues that would otherwise not be realized until the next decennial census scheduled in 2020.
Because of the increase in population, the city of Carmel will see an additional $1.7 million over the next five years, which takes into consideration the $388,911 cost for conducting the special census. City financial planners also indicate that number could go higher depending on any tax increases by the State Legislature.
“We work very hard on financial planning to ensure local taxpayers get the most from their tax dollars and conducting this special census will pay off for the City,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “Clearly, our efforts to build a great city to live, work and play are paying off by attracting more people to Carmel.”
Because this partial special census was targeted to specific neighborhoods, it’s possible the city’s actual population may be higher than what the special census shows. But the decision was made to save money by focusing on areas of high growth. While Carmel saw growth in other areas as well, it did not necessarily pay to survey all households. To see a map of the areas that were part of the special census, click here.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Executive Order certifying the population increase on December 28, 2016. The City of Carmel will begin receiving additional tax revenues in 2017.
