The Lake Today

Population for Camden County increased 17 percent, according to the first release of 2010 census numbers posted on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website at the end of February.

A large part of this increase is due to the hand-counted 2010 census numbers for the county and work done by the many organizations, volunteers and staff who participated in Camden County Complete Count Committee.

“Out of 114 counties in Missouri, Camden County had the lowest count before at 39 percent,” said Roger Corbin, Camden County Complete Count Committee. “We knew that there were a lot of people here that hadn’t been counted before, with a lot of them being snowbirds. That is a large part of the reason why we wanted to make people aware they needed to be a part of this census.”

Corbin said numerous groups such as governmental, community and not-for-profit organizational groups helped in preparing banners and advertising, organizing a speakers bureau and tracking full-time households and talking with residents to make sure as many in the county were accounted for and filled out their 2010 U.S. census.

As a result, Camden County overall saw a 17 percent increase in population, with 44,002 residents showing full-time residency in the county versus the 37,501 residents in the 2000 census.

Many cities within the county also showed dramatic increases in population as a result of the committee’s work. Four Seasons saw an increase of 48 percent with a population of 2,217 full-time residents versus its 2000 census number at 1,493. Camdenton saw an increase of 34 percent with a population of 3,178 versus its 2000 census number at 2,779.

Many other cities saw a large increase, such as Climax Springs at 55 percent, Osage Beach at 19 percent and Sunrise Beach at 17 percent. The only two larger Camden County townships showing a slight decrease was Linn Creek (from 280 to 244 residents), and Macks Creek (from 267 to 244 residents).

“A great way to look at this is to take the population projections done through a study by the University of Missouri Extension office. They should have projected that Camden County would end up at 41,643,” Corbin said, noting that they went with the average 7 percent growth rate that has been a historic rate during past census filings. “We ended up with 44,002, which surpasses the normal growth and those additional 2,359 people are residents the ‘Complete Count’ reached.”

Corbin said the shown increase in population overall helps many of the municipalities in numerous ways. As a part-time planner for the village of Sunrise Beach, Corbin understands how these numbers and demographics are helpful in requesting proper state and federal funding for infrastructure and other local projects.

“First of all, it helps the cities apply for grants. These new census numbers give a truer picture of how many people are living in their areas and how big their income groups are,” he explained. “It also helps with social-service agencies, such as helping generate more funding for services for serving elderly and low- to moderate-income residents.”

Another benefit of the new census numbers is retail growth, Corbin said. He said in the national map that shows amounts of increase percentages in population for the state, showing Camden and Pulaski counties as the two highest in increased full-time residents, helps spur more business to come to Lake of the Ozarks and central Missouri.

“There are two counties showing big growth — Camden and Pulaski, because of Lake of the Ozarks in Camden and Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski. During the last decade, we caught a lot of snowbirds that live here in such areas as Laurie,” he explained. “For example, take a big retailer such as Olive Garden. They may be looking to expand in the next five to 10 years and looking at growth areas in Missouri. They may see some growth rates in Kansas City, but they also have to determine if the growth rate is enough to establish another one or two restaurants there. They may already have enough in St. Louis or Branson, but they will find (by looking at the numbers) they don’t have one in central Missouri, which is showing a lot of growth.”

“This is how these statistics are used, not only with the big box stores but with other businesses, as well. By getting this ‘correction’ made, it’s the basis for all economic development in the Lake Area,” he said.

Corbin added this also helps such institutions as school districts in the county to better find sources for funding, if needed, and also market certain classes to the community for services like a technical training center.

Miller and Morgan counties also showed steady increases in the census numbers. Miller County increased to 24,748 full-time residents from 23,564 filed during the 2000 census. Morgan County’s total population showed 20,565 full-time residents from 19,309 filed in 2000. In Morgan County, Laurie saw a 43 percent increase, with its population rising from 663 residents to 945 in 2010.

Corbin said the one downside of the recent release of overall U.S. census numbers is the showing of a 54 percent home vacancy rate in Camden County, which is highest in the state. However, as Corbin pointed out, even though the Complete Count Committee was able to secure additional homes and those who spend 51 percent of their time here like many “snowbirds” in Laurie, there are still many second homeowners who spend about 50 percent of their time somewhere else, too.

Corbin is pleased with the outcome and appreciates all the organizations such as the Elks Lodge, Lions Club and crime watch groups that helped count as many full-time residents as possible.

“Everyone worked very hard and we got great results,” he said. “We wanted to make a difference, and we made a difference.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Camden County 2010 census summary

The following is how major townships in Camden County fared in population increase and/or decrease from the 2000 census.

• Camdenton: 2,779 (2000); 3,718 (2010 population) — up 34 percent

• Climax Springs: 80 (2000); 124 (2010) — up 55 percent

• Four Seasons: 1,493 (2000); 2,217 (2010) — up 48 percent

• Lake Ozark: 1,489 (2000); 1,586 (2010) — up 7 percent

• Linn Creek: 280 (2000); 244 (2010) — down 13 percent

• Macks Creek: 267 (2000); 244 (2010) — down 9 percent

• Osage Beach: 3,662 (2000); 4,351 (2010) — up 19 percent

• Richland: 1,805 (2000); 18,63 (2010) — up 3 percent

• Stoutland: 177 (2000); 192 (2010) — up 8 percent

• Sunrise Beach: 368 (2000); 431 (2010) — up 17 percent

Redistricting hearings continue

State will have eight districts

The House Special Standing Committee on Redistricting held four hearings last week to receive public testimony to help with redrawing Missouri’s congressional districts.

State Rep. John J. Diehl Jr., R-Town and Country, chairperson for the House Special Standing Committee on Redistricting, noted four public hearings held in Blue Springs, Mexico, Popular Bluff and St. Louis.

In addition, the committee will hold hearings in Jefferson City throughout the process.

“Our goal is to have a fair and open process that utilizes the census data and the input we receive from the public,” said Diehl. “There is no preconceived plan about how the districts will be drawn. We will look at the numbers and listen to the testimony and use that information to draw lines that ensure each Missourian is given adequate representation.”

Missouri received initial 2010 census data in December that showed the state would be reduced from nine to eight congressional districts. The complete information expected to be received this week will be used to create the new map of Missouri’s congressional districts.

In the House, Diehl has already filed HB 193, which establishes the basic format for dividing Missouri into eight Congressional districts based on the 2010 census data.