U.S. Census Bureau releases population figures

The U.S. Census Bureau released 2010 statewide population figures Tuesday that show Iowa's population is now over 3 million, which represents a 4.1 percent increase from 2000 until 2010.

The figures are statewide figures--Winneshiek County figures will not be available until February or March.  But previous census estimates through 2009 showed Winneshiek County's population is flat or slightly increasing. 

Iowa's Legislative Services Agency will use the local population estimates to draw up proposed state legislative and congressional district maps, which will be submitted to the legislature next spring.  Either the Iowa House of Representatives or Governor Terry Branstad can reject the proposed maps twice.  If they don't like the third, the Iowa Supreme Court would select a map.

Despite Iowa's population gain, it will lose one of its five congressional districts.  Winneshiek County is expected to switch districts from the 4th Congressional District, which is represented by Republican Tom Latham, to the 1st Congressional District, which is represented by Democrat Bruce Braley.  No matter how the Congressional map is drawn, however, two incumbent Congressmen will have to square off in the 2012 election.