Census data

The 2010 census data results for Missouri will be coming in this week and it will have absolutely huge implications for how St. Louis should proceed in this emerging decade.  We have expected city population to show growth, albeit somewhat small growth, finally bucking the declining population trend.  But will it?  Cities such as Chicago and Baltimore lost out to the suburbs in the 2000's but can St. Louis be different? 

I'm hopeful, but I am not so sure it will be.  St. Louis city is a much improved place from 2000 to 2010, but I don't know that that translated into population growth.  It definitely didn't translate into significant population growth.  But frankly, it doesn't have to.  I would be just as encouraged if the more specific demographic census information showed the city outpacing national averages for growth in income, real estate values, and college educated citizens.  That would be the type of press the city needs just as much as population growth.  I have little doubt once detailed data becomes available, it will show that.  It would be even better if we can show that our population is growing too.