Latest census estimates show moderate growth in Cape Girardeau County

When the U.S. Census Bureau released 2009 population estimates last month, the numbers indicated Cape Girardeau County has continued to grow since the 2000 census.

The 2009 estimates place Cape Girardeau County at a population of 73,957, a 7.7 percent jump from the 2000 census tally of 68,693. The county's growth rate is slightly higher than Missouri's, which was 7 percent.

According to Mike Buckley, Cape Girardeau's local census office manager, the numbers do not reflect any information from the 2010 census, which is still in progress.

He said the numbers are obtained through random samplings of the community and address canvassing. Unlike the official census that occurs every 10 years, samples and canvassing may not always offer a full picture. To help offset that, the census website said, the bureau also takes into account official administrative records, such as birth certificates, death certificates and tax returns. The bureau also looks at Medicare enrollment to track changes in the population of people older than 65.

An increase in residents can also mean a change in the county's number of housing units. More than 2,000 new units have been added since 2000. The 2009 estimate indicated the county has 31,499 housing structures, whereas the 2000 census listed 29,434 units.

The county's growth is also evident in revenue figures. The county sales tax revenue has increased from $4,432,212 in 2000 to $6,079,404 in 2009. However, a law enforcement sales tax of half a cent has been added since 2000.

The total assessed valuation of properties has also increased. Assessor Jerry Reynolds said the 2000 total valuation was $728,787,831. Records on file at the county clerk's office show last year's total at more than $1 billion.

Reynolds said total valuations have been rising a little bit every year.

"We haven't had the huge increases that they talk about around the country, but there hasn't been a year without an increase. We see 2, 3, 4 percent almost every year," he said.

Not having those large gains means the county has also missed many of the large decreases other areas have experienced. Reynolds said he believes that is because the county does not depend on only one area of the economy.

However, the economic situation nationwide has changed drastically since 2000 and many county workers have felt the effects.

Mitch Robinson, executive of the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, said the work force numbered 40,285 in 2000. By 2009, however, that number had fallen to 38,480. Unemployment in 2009 reached 7.3 percent in the county, while the 2000 unemployment rate was only 2.8 percent.

He said his organization is working with local businesses to increase the work force in the county, better reflecting the growth in population.

"We are working every day to assist new and existing companies to expand and bring workers back to the ranks of the employed," Robinson said. "I want to encourage everyone to look at educational opportunities via the Career and Technology Center, the new Cape Partnership for Higher Education, Southeast Missouri State University and other trade and business schools."

He added workers should be willing and able to change with technology and keep their skills current.

The Census Bureau estimates the number of building permits is down in the county since 2000. Reynolds said that is true but that permit numbers for 2010 are higher than last year at this time. Like the economy, he said, construction is starting to improve.

"I think we're coming back some," he said.

cbartholomew@semissouian.com

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