Articles Tagged: Census

The second plan for proposed 2021 redistricting maps were released Oct. 21 for Iowa’s congressional, House and Senate districts.

Tiffin has seen its population double decade after decade. Now with more than 4,500 residents, the city could see its population double yet to more than 9,000 residents in 2030.

While local incentives can lure businesses to small towns, they are no guarantee alone that the town can be vital or attract visitors, according to a four-month IowaWatch investigation of towns with fewer than 5,000 people.

Iowa Senate Republicans all voted to reject the first set of proposed maps that would redraw statehouse and Congressional boundaries for the next 10 years. All Senate Democrats voted to approve the maps.

Census is “super important” because seats in the U.S. House and Iowa Legislature are apportioned, and state and federal funds are allocated based on the once-a-decade headcount.

Regardless of whether these maps are approved, they provide another illustration of how Iowa’s population --- like so many other states’ --- is shifting from rural to urban and suburban areas.

No current members of the U.S. House are thrown into a district with another incumbent. However, Ashley Hinson and Marianette Miller-Meeks would be in unfamiliar territory. Their would-be Democratic challengers — state Sen. Liz Mathis of Hiawatha and state Rep. Christina Bohannan of Iowa City — both would be in the new 1st District. Under the current map, Mathis is in the 1st and Bohannan in the 2nd.

Take a look at the proposed 2021 redistricting maps for Iowa’s congressional, House and Senate districts.

Some smaller communities saw populations barely grow or shrink. Central City, Alburnett and Walford are all in the midst of upgrading water treatment facilities, streets and more to prepare for any future growth.

These outliers come at a time when census data show Iowans increasingly living in urban areas.

Virtual hearings will “maximize the opportunity,” for participation and make the once-a-decade process “as inclusive as possible,” panel members said.

Searchable database shows population data for Iowa cities since 2010.

Hover over the map and search the database for county population changes since 2010.

Nearly 80 percent of the growth happened in the state’s four largest counties -- Polk, Linn, Scott and Johnson

The delayed release is creating uncertainty over whether the exacting process of drawing new boundaries for the state’s 50 Senate and 100 House districts can be completed ahead of a constitutional deadline.