Census data: Morrison County population up since 2010

Census numbers are finally available.

After a lengthy delay in the process, the population counts for counties, cities and townships were recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The information was initially slated to be made available by Dec. 30, 2020, but the Bureau had concerns about accuracy in its counts due to COVID-19.

Census data is critical information within a representative government. The data helps determine where boundaries are drawn for state House and Senate districts, U.S. Congressional districts, and even City Council and County Commission wards on a local level.

The U.S. Census, as required by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, is conducted every 10 years for the purpose of determining government representation. Prior to 2020, the last census was completed in 2010, the data from which still guides how Minnesotans are represented on both the state and federal levels. District maps are drawn in an attempt to have each one have an equal number of people by population per representative.

The State Legislature has to use the information from population counts as provided by the census to go through the redistricting process. In Minnesota, the deadline to have that process completed is Feb. 15, 2022. If the House and Senate cannot come up with a map on which they agree by that date, it then becomes the duty of the State Supreme Court to approve a final map.

Once the state redistricting and reapportionment process is complete, localities such as cities and counties can formally move forward on any redistricting they may need to approve.

“The census really drives the whole redistricting,” said former Minnesota Secretary of State, Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, during an April forum hosted in Brainerd. “It’s really important to remember when we are doing this, the census is really the driver and the result is the redistricting.”

Kiffmeyer is a native of Pierz.

Data from the 2020 census shows an overall 2.45% growth in population for Morrison County since 2010. There were 34,010 people reported as living within the county during the 2020 census, compared to 33,198 in 2010.

Data shows that cities and townships had similar movements over the last 10 years. Of the 16 incorporated cities within Morrison County, seven saw an increase in population since 2010. Exactly half — 15 — of the county’s 30 townships experienced growth.

The most rural growth was found in the northern and southwest portions of the county. Motley, Rosing, Scandia Valley, and Cushing townships in the north and Bellevue, Two Rivers, and Swanville townships all saw their populations go up.

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