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Ground Level Blog

Todd County’s numbers are declining

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The numbers are always interesting; if you like numbers. Whether you like numbers or not, they tell a story and the story is telling. Todd County's population is going down.

In a report released by the Minnesota State Demographic Center and the Metropolitan Council, the estimated population of Todd County went down by 194 people (decreased by 212, gained 18 for a net loss of 194) between July of 2008 and July of 2009. Todd County's 11 towns each saw a drop in population with a total loss of 126. Long Prairie's is most dramatic with a population decrease of 42 residents.

Only five of the 28 townships, Eagle Valley, Germania, Kandota, Little Sauk and Villard saw increases in population. Germania had the greatest increase at seven.

Population numbers alone don't tell the story just as dates aren't the narrative of history. And, these are estimates. One would also have to analyze the death and birth rates, real estate transactions, and employment history to know exactly why the numbers have dropped. The 2010 census will help flesh out the story.

With layoffs at some key industries in the county between 2009 and 2010, the shift in population may be even greater than the estimates.

Dave Peters noted that with a slowed growth in Baldwin Township in Sherburne County, they still gained 81 people. That's just one township. Proximity to the metro area still seems to be a deciding factor in attracting both jobs and residents. Is it possible to change this in Todd County? Will installation of broadband change anything? Only numbers can tell. We'll have to wait and see.