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CHAPTER TWO: Demographics, Transportation, and Land Use Population Profile The early 1600s marked the first census conducted on what would become the United States. Shortly after gaining independence Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson conducted the first U.S. census totaling 3.9 million inhabitants. The surveys collected the general statistical information trom individuals and establishments to compile the decennial statistics for the country. Since 1790 the census has evolved to gather greater amounts of information providing the statistics needed to understand the trends in society and to plan for growth (U.S. Census Bureau 2004). Regional Population To better appreciate the population characteristics ofCass County it might first help to understand the populace ofthe North Dakota and the surrounding counties. These statistics will demonstrate the unique characteristics and issues faced by the county. North Dakota The State of North Dakota has experienced both positive and negative growth over the last 90 years, the overall trend however being one of decline (Figure 2.1, Table 2.1). The states highest population was attained in 1930 with a population of 680,845, a figure continually declining since this date. A 5.65% growth rate occurred in 1980, the highest positive growth change over the last 90 years, but population since this point has declined or stagnated. The states average population for the last 90 years is 641,471 with a -0.02% growth rate. The Census 2000 recorded a 0.53% growth rate for North Dakota the lowest of all states, compared to a national average growth of 13.1 %. 19