The census data is in, and Dallas County has lost 5 percent of its population, forcing officials to take a look at why and what to do to prevent losing any more.

The U.S. Bureau of Census reported this week Dallas County’s population as 43,820 people, down 2,545 from 2000’s population of 46,365. A comparison of the figures for the last 10 years was released Friday.

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard said Friday he had looked at the numbers briefly, having received them that afternoon. He couldn’t give a definitive answer for the drop, but he was not taken aback.

“So while it doesn’t come as a surprise to me; it does dishearten me,” Ballard said.

Selma’s population stayed about the same, gaining 244 people and raising its population from 20,512 to 20,756. By race, Selma has 16,671 African-American residents and 3,741 white residents. Additionally, Asians make up 122 residents and Hispanics account for 125 people.

Valley Grande showed up for the first time in census data. In 2000, Valley Grande was unincorporated. The bedroom community to Selma has a population of 4,020 with 3,025 whites and 924 African-Americans. Fifteen Asians and 21 Hispanics round out the population.

Selmont-West Selmont, across the Alabama River from Selma, lost 831 residents. Its population dipped from 3,502 in 2000 to 2,671 in this year’s census. By race, Selmont-West Selmont, which is unincorporated, has a population of 2,509 African-Americans and 119 whites. Hispanics make up 41 residents of the area. No Asians were counted in Selmont-West Selmont.

The town of Orrville lost 26 residents as its population dropped from 230 to 204. The population consists of 127 African-Americans and 77 whites. No Asians or Hispanics were reported as living in Orrville, according to the 2010 census data.

It will take another decade before Valley Grande shows a trend of growth or not, but Mayor Tom Lee noted the county numbers when they were released.

Lee said he had predicted a decrease in county population for a couple of years. He attributes the loss to a campaign by officials in Prattville, Wetumpka and Montgomery that included billboards urging people to move within their corporate limits.

“There were marketing their communities over here,” he said.

Lee said he knew of many people who migrated to Autauga and Montgomery counties. The outmigration means Dallas County must do better to keep its population.

Ballard said he is unsure so many people have moved to Autauga and Montgomery counties, but pointed to outmigration of those older than 55 to the Alabama Gulf Coast and to college students who do not return to Dallas County once they finish their degrees.

Ballard also pointed out older residents are dying, and no new residents are moving into replace them. Lee advocates creating an environment where people want to live in Dallas County.

“We’ve got to promote a more desirable environment in the community,” he said.

Ballard said a group of people from the business community, government and other lifestyles could come together to think creatively of how to address issues other than business opportunities that would make young people want to stay in Dallas County.

The probate judge is not giving up.

“It’s going to get better,” he said. “I think it’s going to get better.”