Lawrence County, municipalities see population drop in 2020 Census

All nearby towns show resident loss over last decade, city officials hopeful for turnaround
 
Lawrence County saw a slight population drop between 2010 and 2020, according to recently released results of the 2020 Census.
Numbers provided by the Census showed Lawrence County went from a population of 38,634 in 2010 to 38,175 in 2020, a reduction of about 1.6-percent.
The Census also showed a small decline in the populations of Lawrence County municipalities. Aurora went from 7,508 in 2010 to 7,432, while Mt. Vernon’s population was reduced 4,575 to 4,477. In Miller, the population fell from 699 to 678, and Marionville saw its population change from 2,225 to 2,164.
In Mt. Vernon, City Administrator Max Springer chalked the change in population to businesses moving out of the area, and said he believed the city’s population would rebound in the near future.
“Over the last 10 years, we have experienced major companies relocating or closing businesses that affected our population as people relocated to other locations for jobs,” he said. “I do believe that we will see our population begin to grow as some of our local businesses expand their need for new employees will grow. I also believe that with major companies locating in surrounding towns will also bring new residents to Mt. Vernon. We need more housing opportunities for people looking to move here.”
Jon Holmes, city manager for Aurora, said he did not believe the reduction in the city’s population should worry any of the city’s residents.
“Overall, for the city, I do not expect to see any significant impact,” he said. “There are a few areas where we occasionally receive federal funding that comes through the state, MoDOT for instance. That is not a regular or significant source of revenue for the city, so a decline in the amount of funds available to us will not impact us that much. In addition to that, the loss if pretty minimal. One-percent, or 76 persons, is pretty minimal.”
Holmes also suggested the Census might not be entirely accurate.
“I will say that I am a little skeptical of the numbers,” he said. “Aurora had a self-response rate lower than the state average, and the follow up work for non-responsive could have easily missed 76 persons. So, an undercount is certainly possible.”
Moreover, Holmes said, he expected new developments currently underway to bring an increase in the city’s population in the near future.
“The city is working with three developers on housing developments at this time,” he said. “That will be bringing close to 100 new homes to our community. If you figure (two-and-a-half) persons per home, that may result in 250 new residents. That is pretty significant and we look forward to this possibility as the developments continue to move forward.”

U.S. Census population results:

Lawrence County
2010 - 38,634
2020  -  38,175
Total loss of 459

Aurora
2010 - 7,508
2020 - 7,432
Total loss of 76

Miller
2010 - 699
2020 - 678
Total loss of 21

Marionville
2010 - 2,225
2020 - 2164
Total loss of 61

Mt. Vernon
2010 - 4,575
2020 - 4,477
Loss of 98