Slight increases were found in the number of people living in both Gloucester and Mathews counties between 2017 and 2018, according to the latest population estimates released last week by the University of Virginia.

According to the estimates, Gloucester County grew from 37,169 to 37,194 people between July 1, 2017 and the same date in 2018. This was an increase of 0.9 percent, and continued the upward growth seen since the 2010 census which found 36,858 inhabitants.

Mathews County’s estimated growth reverses a declining trend. The 2018 estimate is 8,704 people; the 2017 number was 8,651, and the 2010 census count was 8,978.

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, a division of UVa, is responsible for the yearly population estimates, which it said are used “throughout the commonwealth for decision-making and fund allocation.”

The center, using statistical analyses of housing stock, school enrollment between grades 1-8, the surplus (or deficit) of births over...