Newly adjusted city ward maps, highlighting Norfolk’s population growth in the last year, were approved this week by the City Council. Every ten years following the release of the census, it is the responsibility of every governing body whose members are elected by wards or districts to balance the population across those wards or districts.

Norfolk’s estimated population is now 26,059, up from 24,210 people in early 2020.  Population gains came from both growth and annexation – with new growth accounting for slightly more than half of the total increase. The 1,849 increase indicates Norfolk grew more in population in the last year than it had the previous 20 years combined.

“These numbers reflect recent trends we’ve seen in increased housing permits, sales tax receipts, and new demand for services,” said Mayor Josh Moenning. “We’ve been open to new ideas, new ways of doing things, and focused on how to make Norfolk a welcoming, attractive city with an enhanced quality of life.  The numbers support ‘proof of concept’ and will compel us further in our efforts to promote and manage responsible community growth.”

There was movement in all ward boundaries. Lines moved between 7th Street and 9th Street from Madison Avenue to Prospect Avenue and the area east of 1st Street & Braasch, between Klug Avenue and Norfolk Avenue which was needed to balance population numbers.  The adjusted interactive map will be uploaded to the City website in the coming weeks.

The updated maps need to be submitted to the Madison County Clerk by December 30. This effort was done in tandem with Madison County through a contract with gWorks to assist in the process.