Butler County may have reported a small dip in population under 2020 census counts, but that may not be reason for concern.
“I think we fell victim in our area largely to people not being counted,” said Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.
Butler County reported a drop of 1.6%, at 42,130 in 2020, according to census.gov.
This was the first year the census collection efforts moved online, Halter noted, and much of Southeast Missouri still struggles with good internet access.
The COVID-19 pandemic also likely distracted many people who may have participated in the process, he believes.
Halter also finds it hard to believe that some surrounding counties have seen the double-digit drops accounted for in the new data.
Ripley County saw the greatest decline in the state, according to the numbers, with 24% fewer people compared to a decade ago.
That would be a drop of more than 3,400 people.
“I really figured this would be a tough area to get counted,” Halter said of the region. “I think that has to factor in there somewhere. You don’t see it (decreases) anywhere else. New homes are being built, sales tax revenue, everything else seems to be moving along fine.”
Halter noted that areas like Ripley County and Butler County have both seen new businesses open despite the economic stress of the pandemic, a sign he believes indicates positive trends for the area.
Statewide, Kansas City area and Missouri suburbs saw the most population growth in the state over the past decade, U.S. Census data released recently shows.
Platte County saw the biggest influx of people at close to 20% growth from 2010 to 2020.
Christian, Clay, Lincoln and Boone also were among the top five counties of growth in the state. Those counties are near Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia, respectively.
But rural Missouri and the city of St. Louis now have fewer residents compared to a decade ago. St. Louis’ population decreased by 5.5%, with a loss of about 18,000 people.
In general, the population dropped throughout northern Missouri and the southeastern Bootheel region. Most counties saw declines, with 78 of the state’s 114 counties — not including St. Louis city — reporting fewer people.
Halter believes the next big hurdle to keeping and gaining new population in Butler County and the surrounding area will be improving broadband internet service.
This lack of availability is likely contributing to any drops in rural areas, he said.
“What has a tendency to concern most people in all of rural America is losing your young people,” he said. “You have your young, educated people going off to college and not coming back. That’s a concern for everybody.
“That’s why we’re focused on rural broadband.”
New businesses and the growth of work-from-home often rely on high speed internet.
Butler County has seen tremendous growth in highway infrastructure with work on Highway 67 and future Interstate 57, Halter said. The next big hurdle will be improving broadband access.
“This is a huge part of the continued growth of our area,” Halter said. “Running side by side as we finish 67 and 57, equally important in my mind, and a lot of people’s minds, is getting the broadband improvements.”
Associated Press reports contributed to this article.