Butler is the only county in the region to have gained population, according to the latest census.
The U.S. Census Bureau is releasing 2017 estimates on Thursday that suggest Butler grew by 900 residents. That makes our estimated county population at about 187,000.
Six surrounding counties (including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland) all lost people. Data shows metropolitan Pittsburgh lost more residents in the last year than any other metro area except Chicago.
