Population—Who We Are

To initiate the first issue of the Economic Report, it will be useful to review the demographic make-up of the region. For this issue, “Who are We?” will focus on the racial diversity within the region. This region, one that hugs the Illinois-Wisconsin border, consists of Five Counties: Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Green and Lafayette. We call this region—South Central Wisconsin.

One of the unappealing effects of aggregated data is to make all regions appear similar. This can occur even where there are pockets of unique attributes. Disaggregated data provides the ability to make specific insights. One example of the benefits of more localized data is census data. Often regions and states will grow in similar fashions according to the aggregated data, but the disaggregated breakdown creates some notable features. The overall growth in the five-county region resembles the whole state of Wisconsin. During the 1990s the region’s population grew by 15% (see Table #1—Population Growth 1990-2000). During this same period, the population of Wisconsin grew by 12.5%. However, when the outlier counties of Walworth (growth rate 28% during the decade) and Lafayette County (total population growth during decade of 54 persons) are removed, the remaining counties find their aggregate population growth of 12%.

In terms of aggregated racial diversity, the counties remain fairly homogenous. It is important to note that the identifier of Hispanic is an ethnic classification, not a racial category within the Census (Chapa, 2000). During the 1990s the State of Wisconsin experienced a large growth in its non-white population. In 1990, 7.3% of the population classified itself as non-white for the Census. In 2000, this had grown to 12.3%. However, in the region, non-white population grew from 4% to 7%. As a result, the region is beginning to resemble the rest of Wisconsin. These counties are now more racially diversified (albeit in a small fashion) then they were in the 1980s. When one considers that the non-white population of Wisconsin grew by 79% during the 1990s, it is noteworthy to consider that the non-white population of this region grew by 116%.

In another measure of diversity, the Hispanic composition of the region has changed. Over the 1990s the Hispanic population of Wisconsin grew from 1.8% of the population to 3.5% of the population (see Table #2—Hispanic Population Growth 1990-2000). Much of this growth occurred in the South Central Region where the Hispanic population grew from 1.5% of the population to 4.2%. In fact, while the state’s Hispanic population grew by 120% over the decade, the region witnessed a 225% growth.

In terms of communities vs. counties, this evolution is notable. For example, the city of Delavan can trace a strong portion of population growth to the change in its Hispanic population. Where the communities experience a population increase of 2316 persons in the 1990s, 1137 self-reported themselves as Hispanic in the 2000 Census. As a result, by 2000, over 20% of Delavan’s population was Hispanic.

This situation is more pronounced in Lake Geneva where over 80% of the population increase can be attributed to an increase in the Hispanic population. In Beloit, the growth in their Hispanic population was so great that it exceeded the overall community growth. While Beloit’s population grew by 2303 persons in the 1990s, its Hispanic population grew by 2590 persons. As can be seen, the regions population growth is dependent on increases in a diverse citizenry. Without an influx of persons, it is possible that this region will face an aging population. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, these counties face an aging trend that skews older. Without an influx of young workers, these counties and communities face potential labor shortages. However, this demographic change begs the question: What are the public finance implications of this change? Future issues to the Economic Report will strive to address this issue.

“Hispanic Identifiers” and “Hispanic Population Composition.” Jorge Chapa in Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census. Margo Andersen, editor-in-chief, Jorge Chapa, Connie Citro and Joe Salvo, editorial board. (Congressional Quarterly Press: Washington, DC, 2000).

Population Data: Wisconsin Department of Administration.
http://www.doa.state.wi.us

Table 1: Click on image for larger view

Table 2: Click on image for larger view