Steinbach is now officially the third-largest city in Manitoba surpassing Thompson. New census data released today shows Steinbach's population rose 22 per cent from 2006 to 2011 and now stands at 13,524 people. Thompson saw its population decline by four per cent to 12,829.

Meanwhile, Niverville was the fastest growing municipality in the southeast with a 44 per cent increase in population to 3,540 people. La Broquerie grew by 42 per cent to 5,198 people. The population in the RM of Hanover increased 18 per cent to 14,026 people. The town of Ste. Anne was up 6 per cent to 1,624 while the RM of Ste. Anne was up 3.9 per cent to 4,686 people. Tache grew 13 per cent to 10,284 and ritchot was up 8 per cent to 5,474. St Pierre's population was up 31 per cent to 1,099 and the RM of De Salaberry grew 3 per cent to 3,450.

Elsewhere, Morden's population rose 18.9 per cent from 2006 to 2011, and now stands at 7,812. The City of Winkler now has a population of 10,670, which is up 17.2 per cent. Altona saw its population grow by 10 per cent to 4,088, while Carman now has 3,027 residents which is an 8.8 per cent rise. The Town of Morris saw its population rise 9 per cent to 1,797.
   
The Rural Municipality of Stanley saw it total number of ratepayers soar by 31 per cent to 8,376. The RM of Morris saw 12.7 per cent growth in its numbers to 2,999.