CENSUS TARGETS

Based on 1990 census numbers, about 50 cities across the country are approaching 50,000 in population. The number itself is significant because it could earn the city the Census Bureau's designation as a metropolitan statistical area. Cape Girardeau is among the cities identified with potential to achieve the 50,000 mark in the coming years.

The designation carries some definite advantages. MSAs qualify communities for federal block grants and economic development programs not available in smaller towns. It would also help in marketing the region to potential business and industry. Many large chain retailers, restaurants and industries only look at cities designated as MSAs.

There currently are 258 MSAs in the nation, including the two newest ones, Jonesboro, Ark., and Pocatello, Idaho, which passed the 50,000-population mark this year.

Missouri already has six MSAs: Columbia, Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Springfield. To earn this designation, a city must have a population of 50,000 within its city limits, or the county must reach 100,000 population. But once the minimum is achieved, other neighboring counties or cities can benefit from the designation. In all Missouri cases, the city and at least one county are included in the MSA designation. In Kansas City, six counties are included.

The MSA designation also carries a certain amount of prestige for communities, according to local industrial recruitment officials. For example, magazine that list the best places to live usually only consider MSAs. Industrial recruitment has become very competitive, and this might provide an added advantage to the region.

That's not to say the MSA designation is an end-all or cure-all. Paducah and many other cities have achieved steady growth without the designation. And for marketing purposes, the fact Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City have all experienced steady growth in recent years has helped the region bring in larger retail chains.

Cape Girardeau probably won't reach the magic mark in the near future. The city's estimated 1994 population is 35,936, with a projected population of 37,913 by the turn of the century. But there is no harm in working toward this goal.