For perhaps the first time in history, the county seat of Oconto no longer has the largest population of cities, towns and villages in Oconto County.

According to the state of Wisconsin’s 2009-10 Blue Book, the town of Little Suamico has an estimated population of 4,856 compared to 4,756 for Oconto.

All population estimates were made in 2008. The 2010 census next year will provide official totals.

Since the 2000 census, Little Suamico has shown a growth of 25.3 percent, from 3,877 to the present level. Much of this has been attributed to several new housing subdivisions constructed there in the past decade.

Oconto’s population grew from 4,708 in 2000 -- up just 1 percent.

Oconto County’s total is fast approaching 40,000, with the 2008 count of 39,261 up 10 percent from the 2000 census figure of 35,652.

Little Suamico wasn’t the fastest-growing community. The town of Chase, also in the southern zone, was up 35.5 percent rising from 2,082 to 2,822.

Areas in the north part of the county also experienced growth, with Breed climbing by 18.7 percent, Doty 14.9, Townsend 14.1.

Others showing sizeable increases were Lakewood 12 percent, Morgan 15.3, Town of Oconto 15.0 and Pensaukee 15.9.

The only losses were in the city of Gillett, down 38 percent; the village of Lena, down 4.5 percent; and the village of Suring, down 6.8 percent.