GOVERNMENT: CENSUS ESTIMATES FOR CITIES RELEASED

JACKSON, Mo. -- The population of Jackson grew by 25 percent over a nine-year period, faster than any other Southeast Missouri city, the Census Bureau reported in its latest population estimates.

The bureau recently released its July 1, 1999, population estimates for cities. The population of Jackson is estimated at 11,973, up 2,404 since the 1990 census.

Cape Girardeau's population is listed at 36,687, up 1,758 or 5 percent.

City Planner Kent Bratton said the population estimate for Cape Girardeau is "fairly accurate."

But he said the increase is about 6.4 percent. Bratton said the city's final census count for 1990 was 34,475, slightly less than the number listed in the bureau's recent report. Using the lower census figure as the starting point, the city's population actually grew by 2,212.

Bureau figures showed Cape Girardeau ranks 16th among Missouri cities. Jackson ranks 50th.

Jackson Mayor Paul Sander welcomed the latest population estimate. "I think that was very accurate," he said.

Based on the latest estimate, Sander said city officials expect the 2000 census will put Jackson's population at around 12,000 to 12,500.

"That, for the most part, is very positive," said Sander. "We are very proud that people want to move to Jackson."

Sander said the only negative aspect is the challenge of expanding the water, sewer and electric systems and roads to keep up with the growth.

"I am for planned and orderly growth and always have been. I think the public generally feels our growth is good," he said.

Farmington is the only other city in Southeast Missouri to experience such a high percentage of growth. Its population was estimated at 14,429, up nearly 21 percent.

In contrast, the population of Charleston, Mo., declined by 11.6 percent from 5,131 in 1990 to 4,535 last year, the bureau estimated.

John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce president, emphasized that the latest population figures for cities are only estimates. They are calculated using the 1990 census figures and estimates of births, deaths and net migration.

"This is not a census. This is just a guess," he said.

While Mehner would prefer faster growth for Cape Girardeau, he said even 5 percent shows steady growth. "Just from my standpoint, it is a good number."

City population estimates

The following are the 1999 population estimates for some Southeast Missouri cities, followed by the 1990 census numbers, the percentage change and how the city ranks in size statewide.

Jackson -- 11,973, 9,569, up 25 percent, ranked 50th

Cape Girardeau -- 36,687, 34,929, up 5 percent, ranked 16th

Chaffee -- 3,036, 3,080, down 1.4 percent, ranked 177th

Charleston -- 4,535, 5,131 down 11.6 percent, ranked 132nd

East Prairie -- 3,259, 3,528, down 7.6 percent, ranked 162nd

Marble Hill -- 1,675, 1,476, up 13.5 percent, ranked 252nd

Perryville -- 8,107 7,511, up 7.9 percent, ranked 80th

Poplar Bluff -- 17,500, 17,455, up .3 percent, ranked 34th

Scott City -- 4,551, 4,314, up 5.5 percent, ranked 131st

Sikeston -- 18,071, 17,722, up 2 percent, ranked 32nd

Source: U.S. Census Bureau