Population Growth
The population of the ECMODEV Region has changed dramatically over the past two decades. From 1980 to 1990 the region grew by 11,151 people or 22.9%, and from 1990 to 2000 the region grew by 15,824 people or 26.5%. Overall both Lincoln and Warren counties were the leaders for growth in the region. Lincoln and Warren counties grew by 30.2% and 31.1% respectively between 1980 and 1990. Between 1990 and 2000 Lincoln County increased population by 34.8% with a total population in 2000 of 38,944 and Warren County increased population by 25.6% with a total population in 2000 of 24,525. Montgomery County saw a loss of 182 people between 1980 and 1990, but between 1990 and 2000 the county saw a 6.9% increase in new residents with a total population of 12,136. Out of Missouri’s 114 counties, Lincoln County ranked 4th, Warren County ranked 11th, and Montgomery County ranked 70th in highest population change between the 1990 and 2000 Census.
Through 2020, the ECMODEV Region is projected to grow at an average rate of 18% per decade, which is almost four times faster than that of the state. The growth of the region is due primarily to its proximity to the St. Louis metro area, low-cost housing, and low transportation costs.
Age Profile
The age distribution for the ECMODEV Region has increased continually since 1970 and is projected to increase in all age groups through 2020. Between 1990 and 2000 Census, all age groups throughout the region increased dramatically; the 0-14 age group exhibited the largest increase of almost 6,500 people. This trend can show an increase in new families to the region. In conjunction with the 0-14 age group increase, the Census data showed an increase in a large portion of the 25-44, and 45-64 workforce population age groups. This trend shows these new families are more career-oriented, and have established their careers before having families. The fastest growing county in the region for the 2000 Census was Lincoln County with a change in population of 34.8%, the fourth fastest in the state. Also Lincoln County has the largest 16-and-over labor force of 19,583 people or 68.5% of their population. Lincoln County also has the lowest median age of 34.5.
Income
The 2006 average per capita income for the region was $27,066 compared to the 2006 average per capita income of $32,793 for the State. These average wages are expected to increase as the labor force within the region grows.
Levels of income in a region determine many things for its residents; including, quality of life and the amount of resources a resident put back into the community. Historically, the per capita income of the ECMODEV Region is slightly higher than the average per capita income for Missouri’s non-metropolitan portion; however it is extremely lower compared to the per capita of the neighboring St. Louis Metropolitan area. This, taking into account that Lincoln and Warren Counties are both included in the St. Louis MSA, introduces the idea that employees in the ECMODEV Region are subject to lower wages, possibly due to the limited job market diversity and the heavy reliance on manufacturing and agricultural services.
