By Angela Hatton
Murray, KY – The population in Murray grew by more than 18 percent in the past decade. The number makes Murray the fastest growing city in far western Kentucky. 2010 Census figures show Murray's population is 17,741. That's up from just under 15,000 in the 2000 Census. Other cities in the Purchase Area saw slight increases. Hopkinsville and Madisonville increased their populations by 4 and 1 percent respectively. Paducah's population declined slightly. The Purchase counties overall increased population by 1.5 percent.