Cape County ranks 9th in state in population growth over past five years

Cape Girardeau County ranks ninth among 114 counties in the state in the percentage of population growth over the past five years, according to the latest census figures.

The county grew by 2,898 people, or 3.8 percent, between 2010 and 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The county’s population stands at an estimated 78,572.

“I think what it shows to me is that Cape County has been a consistent growth county,” said John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

The county’s growth has been fueled to a great extent by population growth in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, which ranked 15th and 19th, respectively, in the total number of people added to Missouri municipalities from 2010 to 2014, according to the census statistics.

Census figures show Cape Girardeau grew by 1,172 people, or 3.1 percent. Jackson grew by 929 people, a 6.8 percent increase.

Cape Girardeau and Jackson each added more people than such cities as Branson, Independence, Joplin, Rolla, Chesterfield and Festus, according to Census Bureau estimates.

Cape Girardeau had an estimated 39,167 residents as of 2014. Jackson had 14,677 residents.

Cape Girardeau County is ranked 15th in county population, which includes the city of St. Louis in the statistics.

Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs said he was pleased by the population growth in his city.

“It is a good, steady growth,” he said. “I think the quality of life here certainly attracts people.”

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger said, “The numbers are very encouraging.”

He added the growth in Cape Girardeau and Jackson reflects the area’s status as a regional hub.

Rediger said the positive numbers reflect the cooperative efforts of the local chambers of commerce and local governments in providing the amenities and services to make the area an attractive place to live.

Platte County, in the metropolitan Kansas City region, ranked No. 1 in percentage growth among the 114 counties.

Rediger noted a “significant number” of counties have seen their populations decline.

According to the census report, 10 Southeast Missouri counties fell in population: Bollinger, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ste. Genevieve, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties.

Pemiscot County had the biggest percentage drop over the past five years, declining by 4.4 percent, or 814 people.

Bollinger County’s population dropped by 181 residents, a 1.5 percent decline.

Scott County experienced a 0.5 percent drop in population, losing 179 residents.

Stoddard County’s population declined by 106 people, or 0.4 percent.

Perry County experienced a 1.1 percent growth, an increase of 212 people over the past five years.

The Census Bureau uses data on births, deaths and migration to calculate population change since the most recent census, which was conducted in 2010.

The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to take a census every 10 years.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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