COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A recent study by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) shows a decrease in population growth statewide in the last decade, but a local economist said El Paso County is in a better spot than other parts of the state.
While CSI said that COVID-19 played a factor in the statewide population slowdown, it noted that the data suggest deeper structural problems caused growth to shrink before the pandemic. CSI said housing affordability, shifting lifestyle preferences, and perceptions of livability are likely playing a factor.
Director of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Economic Forum, Dr. Tatiana Bailey, said that nationwide trends share some of the blame. She said aging populations, decreasing nationwide population growth, and an overall slowdown in innovation are all impacting Colorado.
CSI also pointed to Colorado’s aging population as a worrying sign for overall growth. Tatiana said older populations contribute to less population growth, coupled with lower birth and immigration rates…