According to data released Tuesday by the United States Census Bureau, West Virginia’s modest growth over the past two years was not enough to gain a seat in the House of Representatives.

West Virginia, currently divided into three congressional districts, saw a population growth of about 2.5 percent or about 44,650 people. The nation as a whole grew by about 9.7 percent, from about 281 million to nearly 309 million people.

The growth marks the second consecutive year of growth in West Virginia. West Virginia’s population has been increasing  since 1990, but has not recovered to its peak in 1950. 

West Virginia remains the 37th largest state.

Most of the nation’s population growth, however has continued the shift to the West and South. Nevada grew by about 35.1 percent. This 2010 Census shifted 12 congressional seats across the nation.

Each member of the House of Congress now represents an average of slightly more than 710,000 persons in their district. In West Virginia, a member of congress will represent about 619,000 people.

This Census data is among the first of the releases this year. In coming months, data will be used to redistrict West Virginia’s state and national districts. County and local level Census results are expected by March.

The increase since the last Census means each congressional district in West Virginia has increased by about 15,000.

Currently, West Virginia is represented in the house by Democrat Rep. Nick Rahall, whose 3rd District covers the southern part of the state, including Beckley and Huntington. Republican Shelley Moore Capito’s 2nd District covers a wide mid-section of the state that includes Charleston, Buckhannon and Elkins. The 1st District, represented by outgoing Democrat Alan Mollohan, covers most of the Northern Panhandle including Parkersburg and Morgantown. In January, Republican David McKinley will take over the seat, marking the first Republican majority in the West Virginia Congressional delegation in 40 years.

West Virginia’s Democrat-controlled state Legislature will be charged with redistricting the state based on the new Census data. They will control state lines, but also the congressional districts.

“I think it is the paramount issue before the Legislature and affecting West Virginia this year,” Mike Stuart, chairman of the state Republican Party told the Associated Press. “There are no other issues that are even close in terms of importance.”

Granting the Democrats control to redraw those district lines could spark concern that they will draw them in their favor, but Stuart said there should be no trouble as long as the districts are drawn appropriately.

“... If they draw those districts fairly, there will be no concern,” he said. “I think history tells us, and there’s probably a gazillion cases across the country, that legislators like to play games in order to help their party out. Their focus should be on what’s in the best interest of West Virginia.”

According to The Associated Press, State Democratic Chairman Larry Puccio said such foolishness is not likely.

“I think our legislators have been very responsible individuals and they will take this project extremely serious,” Puccio said. “They’ll do the right thing because they always know they answer to the citizens that put them there. They’ll do the right thing.”

Districts are divided so each member of the House represents roughly the same amount of people. Geographical and community factors may also be used in redistricting.

The initial release of the Census data also indicated that West Virginia ranks as the 31st most population dense state in the nation at a rate of 77.1 people per square mile, up a little more than two people per square mile from last year.

— E-mail: tkuykendall@register-herald.com