The real problem facing the Iron Range and places like it is population loss. You can argue about any matter of policy you want, but things won’t really start getting better around here or anywhere in the Rust Belt, small towns or rural areas until population loss is reversed.
This Mesabi Daily News story explores some of the U.S. Census Departments 2009 estimates for Minnesota’s population. It would appear that Range towns have experienced only very slight population loss during that time, less than one percent. But these are estimates and, though our economy has been bad, many of those on layoff still expect to be called back at some point. That’s what makes this different from 1982, when mines were closing and laying off thousands permanently. People then had no choice but to leave. For the time being, it seems, today’s remaining Iron Rangers are holding the line. But for how long?
The 2012 census is coming and its results will be much more comprehensive and accurate. The results will determine much about our state, both politically and demographically.
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