Not urban? Area will still attract retailers

After making its calculations, the U.S. Census Bureau decided that the Cape Girardeau-Jackson-Scott City area did not qualify as an urbanized area, a designation given to eight other Missouri urban areas following the 2000 head count.

The problem, census officials said, was a sparsely populated area between Cape Girardeau and Scott City -- a sizable flood-prone area that includes the Diversion Channel, regional airport and an industrial area.

Under existing rules, it appears Scott City's population will never be part of the equation. If this is to become an urbanized area, it will be because of growth in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

The designation is important mainly because of potential retail development. This area has had tremendous success without the designation, which is something large retailers consider before making location decisions. There's every reason to think those successful efforts will continue -- but it might take more effort.