Population change in the Ozarks Region: 1970-1975

Abstract

"Changes in demographic processes are occurring in the Ozarks Region. Some metropolitan areas are experiencing a decrease in growth and, in a few, population decline. In conjunction with this, the reversal of non-metropolitan population loss and out-migration is becoming visible in major portions of the region. The level of natural increase, births minus deaths, is dropping in response to lower birth rates in some areas and to a heavy concentration of older persons in others. In order to comprehend these changes in the Ozarks Region it must be understood that the region is made up of five diverse states. (For regional boundary definitions, see Figures 1 and 2.) Within each are a variety of physiographic sub-regions with their individual economic distinctions. In constructing any social profile of the states it would become quite obvious that an array of such profiles would be produced. So also is the case in describing demographic change in the region. While an overview of the region provides a total picture, it tends to obscure variations on a state or sub-regional basis. Thus, an overview for all five states is first provided, followed by a description for each state, which incorporates sub-regional information. In exploring these demographic components of change an examination is made of the emergence of new patterns and the continuation of old ones. In addition, an effort is made to point out some of the factors associated with these processes and to place these factors in a national perspective." --Introduction.