U.S. Census: The Changing Face of Hazelwood

The lost a few people, according to U.S. Census Data released Thursday afternoon. The state of Missouri, St. Louis City and St. Louis County also decreased in population. Here's how the numbers break down for Hazelwood:

• Total population today: 25,703 
• Total population 2000: 26,206
• Race:
  • White--16,484
  • Black--7,835
  • Hispanic/Latino--776
  • Native American--69
  • Asian--353
  • Hawaiian/Pacific Islander--10
  • Other Race--310
  • Multiple Races--642
• Total Housing Units: 11,730
  • Occupied--93.2 percent
  • Vacant--6.8 percent

Although St. Louis County is the county with the largest population in the state at 998,954. It still reflects a population decrease of 1.7 percent since 2000.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley will be commenting on the census numbers once him and his staff are able to review the numbers, spokesman Mac Scott said Thursday afternoon. The executive's office is in Clayton.

"We really haven't had a chance to sit down with him and kind of go over these numbers," Scott said.

While a population decline of less than 2 percent is within the margin of error, Scott said, it's a figure that still must be looked at. And he said an even larger population decline in St. Louis City is of concern to the county.

The picture is not rosy for the state of Missouri overall. Although the state grew in population by seven percent, it was not enough to prevent the loss of a . According to , which has done extensive coverage of the matter, the state will lose a seat in the US House of Representatives. Along with that, Missouri's population rank fell to No. 12.

Hazelwood Mayor Matthew Robinson will be commenting on the census numbers once his staff and he are able to review the numbers, said Tim Davidson, the city's communications coordinator.

More detailed data is expected to be released by American FactFinder Friday. Stay with Hazelwood Patch as we bring you more information and remarks from city and county leaders about the Census results.