Census data

While data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau confirmed that Missouri would lose a congressional seat, for Southeast Missouri there are some positives to take away from the results.

Seeing population gains in Southeast Missouri were Cape Girardeau County, Bollinger County and Perry County. The city of Cape Girardeau saw a 7 percent increase while Jackson's population increased 15 percent.

In reaction to the results, Cape Girardeau mayor Harry Rediger said, "Our marching orders have been: Continue our growth, continue our search for additional industry, continue to strengthen our status as the regional hub."

Jackson's 15 percent increase brings the city's population total to 13,758. While some had expected the city's population to reach 14,000, mayor Barbara Lohr called the 15 percent increase "pretty good growth."

Another positive to take away from the census results is the local increase in diversity. In the past decade, the population of black residents increased 3.7 percent in Cape Girardeau. Black individuals now make up 13 percent of the city's population. The number of Hispanic and Asian individuals in Cape Girardeau also increased during this time period, with these individuals now accounting for nearly 3 percent and 2 percent of the city's population, respectively.

The solid population increases in Cape Girardeau County can be attributed to several factors. There's no question that Southeast Missouri State University is bringing in an increasing number of international students. And overall the university has seen enrollment increases in recent years that have also helped boost Cape Girardeau's population. The health care industry has also played a major role in the area's growth. And beyond education and health care, a myriad of other industries are also contributing to the success of our area.

The census data is further confirmation that Cape Girardeau County is a thriving area, one that looks to get even stronger in the years to come.