PEOPLE EXPERIENCE and witness the same problems resurface without end: COVID-19, economic hardships such as increased gas prices, natural disasters, racial injustice, political tension, death, and more. When news stories like these are constantly showcased to the world, people can sometimes find it difficult to find positive outcomes in their area. Fortunately, the citizens of Fayetteville and Lincoln County have many things to smile about as the area has continued to grow, according to the 5-year 2020 U.S. Census data.
The county has experienced positive growth in multiple areas in the last few years. From 2015 to 2020, the population has in- creased from 33,550 to 34,158. The economy displayed positive growth as the median in- come increased from a little over $40,000 to nearly $54,000. In 2015, 53% of the popula- tion who are 16 or older were employed. That number has jumped up to 56.7%. These num- bers correlate with the county’s poverty rate as well, which decreased from 16.7% to 11.7%. When it comes to health insurance, 92.2% of the civilian non-institutionalized population in the county was reported to have insurance coverage in 2020 while only 87.8% had coverage in 2015.
Lincoln County’s growth in education is slightly apparent too. The percentage of peo- ple 25 or older who had at least graduated from high school grew from 82.4 to 84.9. The amount of people who did not complete high school decreased from 17.6% to 15.1%.
On top of this positive data, Fayetteville is still seeking to bring improvements to the city and county. The Fayetteville-Lincoln County Industrial Development Board is constructing a pad-ready site after receiving a grant to at- tract new corporate investments. Fayetteville’s new city administrator is looking to make im- provements to this already great city, as well.
According to the census data, the number of people who had a computer in the coun- ty was at 86.7%, and 69.9% of the population had a broadband internet subscription. County officials are working to increase the number of people who have access to broadband internet by approving a $1 million incentive for the county’s five broadband providers. The fund will allow broadband providers to install broadband connections to residential addresses that are un- served or underserved with broadband.
Along with its positive growth, Lincoln County and Fayetteville offer many events or places to see and visit, if you haven’t already, in- cluding the Slawburger Festival, Stone Bridge Memorial Park, Wells Hill Park, Camp Blount Historic Park, the Fayetteville Lincoln County Museum, and more. Whether a person enjoys nature, food, history, or something else, this town offers a variety of things to do.
Fayetteville and Lincoln County are great areas, and the officials of these places are continuing to do their part in making them even better. -GN