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Missouri - America's Heart Folks living in Missouri do not need government data to prove they live in the heart of America. All the proof they need surrounds them — in the work-ethic and values displayed by so many Missourians. But now, what many Missourians feel is actually backed up by government data. We know that Kansas City is the geographic center of the country. But with new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we now know that Missouri is once again home to America's demographic center. The new center of America's population is in Phelps County, 2.8 miles east of Edgar Springs. The U.S. Census Bureau calculates the center of population by determining where an imaginary flat map would balance perfectly if all 281 million residents were of identical weight. The finding of the demographic center of the nation has historically marched Westward over the last two centuries, marking the settling of the Western frontier, population influx and migrations West and South. The U.S. Census Bureau plots this center of America following every ten-year census. This is the third time that Missouri has held the honor of hosting the demographic center of America. Steelville and DeSoto held the honor in 1990 and 1980 respectively. Before 1980, Illinois was home to the demographic center of the nation based upon the 1950, 1960 and 1970 censuses. Indiana held the honor from 1890 to 1940. The Census Bureau has discovered what many of us have all known for some time, that in so many ways, the middle of America can be found in Missouri. It is true not just for demographics, but also for our values, work ethic and sense of community. The best of America begins right in Missouri. What holds true for our population is also true of our politics. Newspapers across the country correctly labeled Missouri an electoral swing state in 2000 because its demographics and voting patterns closely mirror the nation as a whole. Missouri has voted for the winner in each presidential election during the last century, except for 1956, and last November's election was no exception. Missouri writer Irving Dilliard has described our state as "all America in one place." Our state holds the confluence of America's two mightiest rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri. We have two major cities and the third lowest cost of living in the nation. We are home to several world-renowned colleges and universities. Visitors to our state will find huge skyscrapers, rolling farms and herds of wild horses, all within a few short hours of each other. Whatever people seek in America, they can find in Missouri. While some of us may disagree on the right pronunciation of our state — 'Missour-i' or 'Missour-ah' — we now have proof of what we all know in our hearts; Missouri is home to America's heart. Kit Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now serves the state in the United States Senate. |
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