Why is this important?
Population trends can be viewed as a rough measure of the assets of a region. Population growth can occur because of an area's natural, economic or cultural draws, and the ability of people to sustain themselves in the environment. The availability of a region to meet a population's basic needs including food, shelter, water, jobs, and healthcare couples with a region's natural and cultural assets to draw increased population.
How are we doing?
The total population for the eight-county region as of July 2008 was 985,525, a more than 1% increase from 2007, and a nearly 9% increase since 2000 (pop: 904,617). The region appears to be on track to meet the 2010 prediction in the chart below to reach almost 992,000.
Population Breakdown by Age, 2008
The 0-19 years-old age group has grown (to 252,341) since 2000, almost 1%,
while the working age population of those in the 20-59 years-old bracket increased more than 9% (to 569,113) in that same time period. Like much of the United States, the 60+ group has grown more than 20% (to 164,071).
Population by Density
The eight-county region offers everything from urban to mediam and small city to rural living. By density, calculated by people per square mile, the counties provide a wide range, from Iowa at 31 persons per square mile, followed by Green with 61, Sauk with 70, Columbia with 71, Dodge with 99, Jefferson with 144, Rock with 221 and finally Dane with 396 people per square mile. The state of Wisconsin has 104 people per square mile while the U.S. has 86.
Population Breakdown by Age, 2008
The 0-19 years-old age group has grown (to 252,341) since 2000, almost 1%,
while the working age population of those in the 20-59 years-old bracket increased more than 9% (to 569,113) in that same time period. Like much of the United States, the 60+ group has grown more than 20% (to 164,071).
Population by Density
The eight-county region offers everything from urban to mediam and small city to rural living. By density, calculated by people per square mile, the counties provide a wide range, from Iowa at 31 persons per square mile, followed by Green with 61, Sauk with 70, Columbia with 71, Dodge with 99, Jefferson with 144, Rock with 221 and finally Dane with 396 people per square mile. The state of Wisconsin has 104 people per square mile while the U.S. has 86.
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