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counted by census takers in 1980.
While the numbers have remained stable, however, characteristics have not. The elderly now make up a larger percentage of the county’s population than they did 17 years ago.
In 1970, Rappahannock had 1,328 people—or 25 percent of the total— 62 years and older. By 1980, those 62 or older numbered 1,904, or 31 percent of the population. Viewed from another perspective, while the county’s total population grew by 17 percent between 1970 and 1980, the number of people 62 or older increased by 43 percent.
At the other end of the graph, the number of school aged children—those 18 and younger—declined by 20 percent between 1970 and 1980. (The county School Board is currently conducting a new local census of school aged children which will provide current data.)
Commissioner Newbill Miller predicted that information more recent than the 1980 census would show an even larger percentage of elderly people here. “I bet that figure has changed another 10 percent since 1980.”
“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised,” agreed Commissioner Werner Krebser. “People who are moving in —many, many are retired people.”
After skimming the first chapter of the revised plan, the commissioners had few comments. They did, however, direct Mr. Strider to change the heading on a soils map which delineated soils on the basis of “building suitability,” asking him to come up with wording that doesn’t imply endorsement for residential development.
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