City: Clayton to Examine 2010 Census Figures Following Population Discrepancy in 2000

A discrepancy in census data makes Clayton's population appear to have risen over a 10-year period when in fact it has remained stable, according to a city news release issued Friday. Meanwhile, Richmond Heights' city manager said the city had anticipated most of the population decline recorded between 2000 and 2010.

Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch initially reported that Clayton's population rose  24 percent during that time based on data available on the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site.

In fact, the city stated in the release, Clayton successfully challenged the 12,825 population figure from 2000 because it didn't include 2,000 students living in dormitories on Washington University's South 40 Campus. 

"Although the Census accepted the challenge and adjusted the count to 15,935, many sources still use the incorrect figure including the Census Bureau website," the release states.

Here's how the numbers break down for Richmond Heights and Clayton. The designation NA represents a category for which data were not immediately available.

Richmond Heights

Clayton

It's too early to tell what the 2010 census numbers mean for Clayton because it's unclear who was included in the count, Mayor Linda Goldstein said.

"Before we celebrate, it's best to verify the figures," Goldstein said.

While it's likely that Clayton's population did grow over the past 10 years, it may not have done so by as much as the data initially indicate, she said. The release states that the city plans to have results of a preliminary analysis by March 4.

Richmond Heights City Manager Amy Hamilton stated in an e-mail that the city isn't surprised by the 2010 data.

"We knew the population would come in below 9,000," Hamilton stated. "Richmond Heights lost residential dwellings when (the Missouri Department of Transportation) removed the 40-unit Town and Country Apartments and 60 homes for The New I-64 highway expansion project."

The city has lost several groups of people in the past 10 years, Hamilton stated:

• About 210 residents when MoDOT purchased 60 houses and Town and Country Apartments

• About 565 residents when the 353-unit Manhasset Village apartment complex was razed in 2005

• Approximately 52 additional residents, in connection with other developments and activities

"The above items account for a total loss of approximately 827 of the 999 census population loss," Hamilton stated.

St. Louis County declined in size by 1.7 percent, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Although Missouri grew in population by 7 percent, it was not enough to prevent the loss of a congressional seat. The state will lose a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a .