Thirty years ago, the population of Jefferson was listed at 4200, and five grocery stores were doing business. Actually, they had all been around for quite some time. The average graduating class (Jefferson only) was over 100 students.
Now, we're Jefferson's population has grown to 4600, but there is only one, small grocery store, and several towns were forced to consolidate, to maintain even smaller classes.
How is this possible?
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No way population is even close to 4,000. Just try to explain to me how 4,000 people are getting their groceries from one fairly small store. Also, check out the cars at any of the churches...probably 1/4 of what they were in the 70s and 80s. I think Jefferson has lost 1,000 - 1,500 since 1985.
If you go to the National Water Meter website, Jefferson is credited with 3200 water meters. If you figure 2-4 people per household, this is a population of 6 to 12 thousand, which I believe to be a more accurate headcount than 4000.
Obviously most of those water meters are located at cemeteries.
I said headcount not bodycount.
Those water meters are also located at parks, churches, schools, businesses, public buildings, golf courses, and any home currently empty.
Greene County has less than 10,000 people now and over 20% are past the age of 65. The Grim Reaper has a very busy schedule the next few years.
At some point, counties in Iowa will have to consolidate. Does Greene County go with Carroll County or Boone County or split in half? Either way, Jefferson loses the county seat and all the jobs that go with that, like county prosecutor.
I predict a booming business at the cemetary on the east side of town.
If Jefferson's population is 6,000 - 10,000, then Ames must be 250,000 - 500,000 and Des Moines somewhere around five to seven million.
You never can know for sure. Remember all the undocumented (illegal) residents. The populations you suggest could in fact be close to correct.
I agree with anonymous above (kind of). I have driven past houses in Ames and Boone with the garage doors up, revealing rows of bunk beds. Who knows how many live in each home? Also, to these anonymous posters, if you plan to post often, why don't you choose the name option and assume an identity, as I did? Then we can agree or disagree with an individual, rather than some "nothing". No, I am not associated with JIN, but I used to play one on TV.
Name option, huh? Ok, here goes...
Fae, I'm the first anonymous on this page, not those one of those other "nothings." I was too busy posting to take a few minutes to come up with a name.
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