If you're a recent resident of Charlton City, you might have some questions about the town's growth and demographics. Here are some of the most important statistics on population growth, as well as the number of residents in the various neighborhoods. Population in Charlton City increased by 1,718 people between 2000 and 2010 (from 11,263 to 12,981), and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission projects that the city will continue to see growth through 2030. As a result, the city has experienced significant residential, industrial, and commercial growth. Today, the city is working to retain and attract top-notch businesses, and residents are enjoying the benefits of this growth.
The zoning bylaws in Charlton City were first adopted in 1987 and govern development. The city is part of the Southwest subregion, which includes Auburn, Oxford, Webster, Dudley, Sturbridge, and Southbridge. Although the city has a relatively small population, it has already converted some of its farmland to urban development, and is expected to continue to increase in population in the coming decade.
Before the railroad reached Charlton, the town was primarily agricultural, with many small businesses centered around the town's railway depot. In the early 1900s, the town's economy was based on farming, with small industries like dairying and hog-raising flourishing. In the 1970s, the town became heavily industrialized, and American Optical, a company based in Southbridge, became the largest employer in the area. Former Ashworth and Charlton Woolen Mill employees found employment in nearby Cranston Print Works.