Well, it’s official – Blue Springs has cracked the list.
As in, becoming the 10th largest city in Missouri.
The announcement arrived at City Hall on July 1, and as expected, it has generated a sense of excitement – especially in the community development office.
“Reaching a population of 55,698 residents speaks to the high quality of life Blue Springs has offered over the years,” Scott Allen, director of Community Development, said. “We’re drawing new residents at a consistently higher rate than many of our neighbors.”
Released by the United States Census Bureau each year (usually around early July), population estimates are used in planning for federal funding allocations, which is quite competitive.
And while the estimates are important, cities look more seriously upon the official census, which begins next year.
While becoming the 10th largest city in the state is good for the city’s overall image, Allen said it doesn’t necessarily mean that will yield additional grant opportunities or funding access.
But it certainly looks good to families looking for a place to move.
“It shows that the city (has been able to retain) long-established families,” Allen said.
That’s benefical when it comes to attracting new families and businesses, as Blue Springs continues to do with such projects like Adams Dairy Landing, the Chapman Farm housing development, acquisition of more than 100 acres of land for more parks, and the proposed Missouri Innovation Park.
Blue Springs has been growing consistently throughout the years. In the ’80s and ’90s, population grew dramatically. In 2006, 53,755 people called the city home. The number grew to 55,031 in 2007, and now 55,698, a modest increase compared to year’s past, but notable.
In Grain Valley, population estimates from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009, show the city grew by 546 residents, from 9,806 in 2007 to 10,352.
But Gary Bradley, administrator for Grain Valley, said the city’s own estimates are higher than what the census bureau has reported.
He said the city calculates its numbers using utility bills and other forms of residency information.
By the city’s count, there are 12,975 residents in the city.
“The census estimates hurt us,” Bradley said, “because businesses and prospective businesses look at those numbers.”
But at the same time, it helps.
“It’s ironic because when the Mid America Regional Council bills the city for services, we get a bit of a break,” he said.
Higher or lower, Grain Valley still manages to attract more and more people annually. According to census figures, Grain Valley had 9,398 residents in 2006, adding over 600 more in 2007 with 9,806.
Bradley said people continue to move to Grain Valley because of its housing market and its continued efforts in improving the city itself, specifically the downtown area. The city is currently three weeks away from completing phase one of its downtown improvement project, which includes reconstruction of Kirby Road, Walnut Street and several side streets, along with decorative and landscape improvements.
In Independence, population estimates have fallen, but only slightly. According to the Web site, there are 110,440 residents in the city, a loss of 98 people from July 1, 2007 figures.
In spite of the loss, Independence continues to build. Significant projects like the Independence Events Center (which officially opens in November), Bass Pro and road and infrastructure additions and improvements continue to attract attention for those moving into Eastern Jackson County.
EJC by the numbers
The U.S. Census Bureau releases city population estimates every July 1 reflecting estimated population figures as of July 1 the previous year The estimates are based on present ongoing trends in building permit activity.
Jackson County
2008: 668,417
2007: 666,000
2006: 663,603
Blue Springs
2008: 55,698
2007: 55,031
2006: 53,755
Buckner
2008: 2,788
2007:2,780
2006: 2,729
Independence
2008: 110,440
2007: 110,538
2006: 110,619
Grain Valley
2008: 10,352
2007: 9,806
2006: 9,398
Sugar Creek
2008: 3,533
2007: 3,537
2006: 3,567
Oak Grove
2008: 6,852
2007: 6,828
2006: 6,826
Lee’s Summit
2008: 84,208
2007: 82,695
2006: 81,637
Raytown
2008: 28,194
2007: 28,285
2006: 28,484
Kansas City
2008: 451,572
2007: 449,684
