WEST CHESTER TWP. — It may be a statistical photo-finish between this booming Butler County township and well-populated Colerain for the title of Ohio's most populous township.

        As final U.S. Census population figures are being prepared for released in April, Colerain Township, with a current estimated population of about 65,000, and West Chester Township, with more than 61,000, are competing for top ranking among the state's 1,309 townships.

POPULATION ESTIMATES

According to the 1990 U.S. Census, Colerain Township had the largest population of any of Ohio's 1,309 townships that year.   The northern Hamilton County township now has an estimated 65,000 residents, while nearby West Chester Township in southeastern Butler County is estimated to have 61,000 residents.   Other high population townships in Greater Cincinnati include Hamilton County's Green Township, estimated at 56,000, and Anderson Township, 43,000.   Source: Ohio Township Association

        West Chester is the rising upstart with an estimated 54 percent jump in residents, from 39,703, according to the 1990 census.

        During the same decade Colerain Township's population has grown by about 18 percent — up from 55,146 in 1990.

        But officials in both townships say it's a race neither community is passionate about winning.

        “If we get it, we're not going to run down the street yelling about being No. 1,” said David Gully, administrator of West Chester Town ship.

        “It gives you bragging rights and can be used as a talking point in presentations,” Mr. Gully said.

        He should know, having also served as administrator in northern Hamilton County's Colerain Township for seven years before taking over the same job in West Chester in 1990.

        More important is whether having one of the largest townships in the state adversely affects its residents, Mr. Gully said.

        “Being the largest is not a measure of success, but providing quality services to our residents is,” he said.

        Longtime Colerain Township Trustee Joe Wolterman agreed.

        “Everything is relative. The important thing is that people enjoy a high quality of life in your township,” Mr. Wolterman said.

        He added that sometimes an expansive community “can be a curse.”

        “As your population gets larger the span of control over the community can get more difficult,” he said in reference to providing essential fire, police and other services to residents in the 45-square-mile Colerain Township.

        Michael Cochran, executive director of the Ohio Township Association in Columbus, said highly populated townships inherently garner more political influence.Dense populations are assets in attracting business and retail developments looking for a large number of workers.

        “Where you have a concentration of people you also have a large base of potential customers,” said Mr. Cochran.

        West Chester Assistant Township Administrator Judy Carter projects that the population of the 34-square- mile township will likely peak in 10-12 years at about 75,000.

        Ms. Carter said West Chester's size is also useful in soliciting state and federal grants whose funding stipulations include higher population communities.

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