WAGGA'S population has been given an overnight boost after a review of census data found the city was home to a further 2000 people.
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In August 2011, Bureau of Statistics data placed Wagga's population at just over 59,400.
But when the data was reassessed last week as part of the bureau's regional population growth estimate, the number of residents was bolstered to more than 61,500, taking into account the people who were overseas on census night, not initially counted, or counted twice.
Regardless of the final statistic, president of the Wagga Business Chamber Julian McLaren said the overall growth trend which has seen Wagga's population increase steadily over the past 10 years was the key to ensuring the city's development continued to be competitive with other regional areas.
With the plans for Bomen's $30 million Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub gaining momentum, Mr McLaren expects to see an increase in consumer confidence as more industries and workers are drawn to the region.
Having just experienced the busiest month for sales in almost two years, Fitzpatrick's Real Estate director Adam Drummond is expecting another spike in sales in October when the $15,000 off-plan first home buyers grant is launched.
Mr Drummond said he believes families and the increased birth rate underpin the strength of the Wagga real estate market providing solid foundations for growth in evolving suburbs such as Boorooma, where localised infrastructure is being built.
"It means generally families grow and they expand, so it keeps the cycle happening," he said.