Iowa Gains Population, Rural Counties Still Losing

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By Scott Sanborn

Story Created: Mar 20, 2008 at 10:28 AM CST

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2008 at 10:28 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Iowa's population is up, but rural
counties are still losing people and urban counties continue to
grow.

According to new census estimates, the state's population in
2007 is more than 2.9 million. That's up 2.1 percent, or nearly
62,000, since the 2000 census.

However, 76 of Iowa's 99 counties lost people. Audubon, Ida and
Pocahontas counties posted the sharpest percentage losses. In all
three counties, deaths outnumbered births during the seven-year
period, and more people moved out than moved in.

Among the 23 counties that saw population increases, just three
are outside of metropolitan areas -- Sioux, Davis and Dickinson.

Dallas County near Des Moines continues to stand out. It has had
a 40 percent population increase since 2000. It's also among the
top 100 counties in population gain between 2006 and 2007, growing
4.8 percent in one year.

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