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POPULATION UP IN STATE BUT DOWN IN COUNTY
By Amy Riggin/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, December 27, 2008 11:30 PM CST
Arkansas’ population is growing at the 22nd fastest rate in the nation, according to estimates released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau, although the most recent data available shows that Jefferson County’s population is on the decline.
From July 1, 2007, to July 1, 2008, the state’s population grew 0.9 percent from 2.83 million to 2.85 million, an increase of more than 24,000.
Utah is the fastest growing state, while California still has the greatest population.
Arkansas kept its rank of the 32nd most populated state.
The bureau’s most recent population estimates by county, from July 1, 2007, show that Jefferson County is the ninth most populated in the state, with nearly 79,000 people. That figure fell 1.6 percent from 80,300 in 2006.
Those estimates show that Pine Bluff’s population declined 1.8 percent to 50,667 in 2007 from 51,603 in 2006.
Pine Bluff Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr. said Friday that he and other local leaders are focused on improving the quality of life to try to reverse the declining trend in this area. He said he believes it will take a “comprehensive approach.”
“That includes jobs, education and the ability to raise their families in a safe, secure environment,” Redus said.
“Those are things that we work on each and every day as we try to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. I think all government officials and civic leaders in this county understand the importance of these initiatives.”
Redus said he expects to see growth particularly in the renewable energy industry, which could benefit the region’s agriculture-based economy.
“I’m hoping that will materialize in a sense that it will create industry and job opportunities for those of us in Southeast Arkansas and South Arkansas really, particularly in the Delta portion of the state,” he said.
Asked about specifics, Redus said there were “projects that are going on but I’m not at liberty to speak about those.”
“As we address growth industries such as health care, education and energy we hope to grow our position in those markets to attract individuals and families to this area,” he said.
White Hall’s population fell 0.2 percent to 5,108 in 2007, while Redfield lost 17 people and had an estimated population of 1,177. Altheimer’s population fell 1.6 percent to 1,124.
Smaller towns in Jefferson County also showed declines. Wabbaseka’s population was down 1.6 percent to 300, while Sherrill’s fell 1.7 percent to 116.
The bureau’s American Community Survey, which reflects three-year estimates from 2005-2007, showed that households in Jefferson County had an average income of $45,148 in 2007. Of the 30,446 households in the county, 16 percent had income of less than $10,000. The largest percentage of households — 17 percent — had income between $50,000 to $74,999.
The survey showed that 22.3 percent of Jefferson County’s population was below the poverty level.
Based on information from the same survey, Pine Bluff’s average household income was $38,953. Of 19,245 households, 20 percent had income of less than $10,000.
Nearly 27 percent of Pine Bluff’s population is living below the poverty level.
“I do expect that the average household income levels for the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County area are going to increase because we understand the importance of citizens being able to raise their families,” Redus said. “And to attract skilled people it requires competitive income levels.”
Redus added that the state’s annual growth rate, which has held steady at about 1 percent for some time, is a reasonable goal for the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County area to attain.
“It’s important that the southern part of the state keeps up with the rest of the state,” Redus said. “We’re working closely with our state agencies and the state and national elected officials to make sure that they understand the importance of growing this part of the state as well.”
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