By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – New census data show St. Louis city continues to lose population while many surrounding cities, especially in St. Charles County, keep getting bigger.
The city's population fell by more than 4,000 from 2001-2002 to dip below 340,000. Population growth was especially big in O'Fallon and St. Peters; O'Fallon has 3,500 more people than last year.
There was also a large boom in population in the part of the state between Springfield and Branson.
The numbers are estimates. But they reinforce a trend noted by 2000's Census head-count. Namely, the Ozarks region and suburbs around St. Louis and Kansas City are steadily growing. And the city of St. Louis continues decades-long shrinkage.
Kansas City renewed bragging rights as Missouri's most populous city, with an estimated 443,471 residents.
Here is a list of how cities in the St. Louis metropolitian area changed in population between July 1, 2001 and July 1, 2002. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
Click Here for a table of population changes.