Fort Smith metro population hits 290,000 in 2007

The 2009 Statistical Abstract of the United States was released today (Dec. 17). What is a statistical abstract?

“First published in 1878, ‘Uncle Sam’s Almanac’ is a summary of statistics on a wide range of important topics, from A (aquaculture) to Z (zinc production). Whether one seeks numbers on biofuel or banking, foreign trade or foreign aid, cars or bars, there is no better one-stop shop for statistics,” according to a press release from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The abstract contains more than 1,400 tables of social, political and economic facts about the U.S. and world. Topics covered include the religious composition of our nation’s population, osteopathic physicians, online news consumption and expenditures for wildlife-related recreation.

For example, the abstract predicts the U.S. population will grow from 310.23 million in 2010 to 439.01 million in 2050. In Arkansas, the population is estimated to grow from 2.83 million in 2007 to 3.24 million in 2030.

Population in the Fort Smith metro area has grown from 234,000 in 1990 to 290,000 in 2007. In Northwest Arkansas, the population exploded from 239,000 in 1990 to 436,000 in 2007. Wow! The Little Rock metro area population was 666,000 in 2007, up from 535,000 in 1990.

The abstract also shows the decline of manufacturing jobs in Arkansas. In 2007, there were 119,000 production (manufacturing) jobs in the state, a 5.5 percent decline from the 126,000 jobs in 2004. Service sector jobs in Arkansas grew from 178,000 in 2004 to 195,000 in 2007.

And, according to the abstract, the country is getting older. The median age in 2010 will be 36.9 and hit 39 by 2050. The Census estimates that 79,000 Americans will be 100 or older in 2010, with that number reaching 601,000 by 2050. (If you think it’s tough getting into Furr’s Fresh Buffet now … )