The population of the Fredericksburg region is growing, but not as quicky before, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, which had been growing 6% to 8% per year, now both have annual growth rates below 2%. That still puts them on the list of the 100 fastest-growing counties in the nation.

The slower growth has in turn caused a drop in revenue to local governments, a concern for homeowners who may see taxes rise to make up for the missing funds.

The news isn't all bad, though: "It will allow us to catch up on planning and infrastructure," Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello said. "Previous growth happened at such a rapid rate that it was difficult for us to keep up with the pace."

Read more at the Free-Lance Star....