This section describes and analyzes the major demographic and employment trends in Hopkins, which may influence municipal policy. Table 1 presents data regarding historic and future counts.
| Table 1 Population, Households and Employment Trends |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Population | Households | Average Persons/Household | Employment |
| 1940 | 4,100 | - | - | - |
| 1950 | 7,595 | - | - | - |
| 1960 | 11,370 | 3,245 | 3.50 | - |
| 1970 | 13,428 | 3,583 | 3.75 | - |
| 1980 | 15,556 | 7,061 | 2.17 | 19,100 |
| 1990 | 16,529 | 7,973 | 2.07 | 12,252 |
| 2000 | 16,800 | 8,200 | 2.05 | 12,400 |
| 2010 | 17,200 | 8,300 | 2.07 | 13,750 |
| 2020 | 17,800 | 8,300 | 2.14 | 14,200 |
| Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Metropolitan Council | ||||
Notes to Table 1:
- Much of the population growth that occurred prior to 1950 was a result of annexations of developed or developing property to the City.
- The number of housing units is increasing in Hopkins but the population is declining as a result of a shrinkage in the average number of persons per household. This decline has been occurring since approximately at least 1970 and is judged to be the result of the departure of children from families residing in detached housing units (the "empty-nester" syndrome), a national trend toward later marriage and smaller families, and an increase in the proportion of attached housing units in the total housing stock. This change was forecast as far back as 1965 in Hopkins and is being experienced by many older communities. By 2010 and 2020, the Metropolitan Council projects a small increase in household size.
- The slow but steady increase in the number of jobs in Hopkins reflects the redevelopment of certain properties, some of which has been assisted by the City, and a general increase in intensity of non-residential land use, including office developments.
Population Characteristics – 1980 and 1990
The following is a tabular summary of the major population characteristics of the City of Hopkins for both 1980 and 1990 as compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau:
| Table 2 1980 and 1990 Characteristics |
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|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | 1980 | 1990 |
| Number of Persons | 15,336 | 16,534 |
| Persons by Gender: Female Male |
55% 45% |
55% 45% |
| Number of Families | 3,765 | 3,827 |
| Number of Households | 7,061 | 7,973 |
| Number of Persons by Age: 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-44 45-59 60+ |
10% 12% 28% 17% 18% 19% |
11% 8% 28% 24% 10% 19% |
| Persons by Race: White Non-White |
98% 2% |
95% 5% |
Households by Person: |
23% 12% 41% 10% 2% 6% 5% |
25% 14% 35% 10% 3% 6% 7% |
Households with Persons under Age 18: |
69% 26% 4% 1% |
62% 31% 6% 1% |
| Sources: U.S. Census Bureau | ||
Population Conclusions and Predictions
The major conclusion and predictions about the population structure in Hopkins are set forth below:
- The average household size and average number of persons per housing unit in Hopkins has been dropping over the past 30 years and is less than the comparable figures for the Metropolitan Area.
- The average household size and the total population of the City will continue to decline slightly, then population will rise slightly.
- The percentage of adults over the age of 65 will increase steadily through the turn of the century and accelerate sharply after 2010, when the first Baby Boomers reach that age, and peak just after 2025.
- The percentage of adults under the age of 30 in Hopkins will remain relatively steady.
- There will be an increase in the number and percentage of non-traditional (two parents, children) households.
- The percentage of women in the work force will continue to increase, as will the number and percentage of two-wage earner households.
Points #5 and #6 will place greater strains on the school system, the social service delivery system, and on businesses such as daycare. - The number and percentage of adults with post-secondary education degrees will increase in Hopkins.
- The number and percentage of minority-group households will increase in Hopkins.
- The regional market demand for low-cost, low-skill workers will outstrip the supply.
- There will be an increasing need for workers to update and change their job skill and education throughout their careers.
Population and Employment Issues
- What should be the response of the city to the expected demand for much more specialized housing, social services, and transportation for the elderly after the Year 2000, a phenomenon which may peak and decline like the school construction wave that occurred in the 1950s and 1960s?
- As one of its goals, should the City attempt to retain and/or increase the percentage of families in the community? If so, what should be its approach to this goal?
- Are the City's land use plan and policies adequate to allow it to respond to the changing nature of the post-industrial market? Will the community have a high quality and diversity of jobs and a low rate of unemployment?
