Smithville Demographics and Population Trends
Smithville has experienced a steady trajectory of growth over the last century, evolving from a small settlement into a thriving community. By analyzing census data from 1890 through 2020, we can see a clear pattern of expansion, particularly in the mid-20th century, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the region.
The city's growth was most pronounced between 1940 and 1970, where the population surged from 919 to nearly 3,000 residents. This period of rapid expansion laid the groundwork for the modern infrastructure and residential layout seen today.
Key Facts
- Current Population: 5,004 residents as of the 2020 census.
- Median Age: 37.8 years.
- Urbanization: 89.7% of the population resides in urban areas.
- Housing: 2,145 total housing units with a low homeowner vacancy rate of 1.6%.
- Growth Trend: The population has grown consistently since 1890, with a notable 69.5% increase between 1940 and 1950.
Population Growth History
The demographic evolution of Smithville is marked by several phases of growth. After a slow start in the late 19th century, the city saw a significant spike in the 1950s and 60s. While there was a slight dip in the 1990s, the population has since rebounded and reached its historical peak in 2020.
| Census Year | Population | Percentage Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 572 | — |
| 1920 | 687 | — |
| 1950 | 1,558 | 69.5% |
| 1980 | 3,839 | 28.1% |
| 2000 | 3,994 | 5.4% |
| 2020 | 5,004 | 10.5% |
Community Composition and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, Smithville is a diverse community. While the majority of the population identifies as White (81.7%), there is a significant presence of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino (13.0%) and those identifying with two or more races (7.3%).
Racial and Ethnic Breakdown (2020)
- White: 4,087 (81.7%)
- Hispanic or Latino: 650 (13.0%)
- Some other race: 379 (7.6%)
- Two or more races: 363 (7.3%)
- Black or African American: 101 (2.0%)
- Asian: 37 (0.7%)
- American Indian and Alaska Native: 32 (0.6%)
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 5 (0.1%)
Household and Housing Dynamics
The structure of Smithville's households has shifted over the last two decades. In 2020, there were 1,989 households, with 33.6% containing children under the age of 18. The city maintains a mix of family structures, with 37.6% being married-couple households and a significant portion (55.1%) led by a single householder (male or female) without a spouse or partner present.
Housing availability remains tight, with only 7.3% of the 2,145 housing units being vacant. The rental market shows a higher vacancy rate (5.3%) compared to the homeowner market (1.6%), indicating strong demand for homeownership within the city.
Economic and Age Profiles
The age distribution in Smithville is relatively balanced, with a median age of 37.8 years. Approximately 24.9% of the population is under 18, while 18.1% are seniors aged 65 or older. This suggests a community that supports both young families and a growing elderly population.
Looking back at the 2000 census, the city's economic profile showed a median household income of $22,482 and a median family income of $30,179. During that period, per capita income was $16,854, with 22.2% of the population living below the poverty line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Smithville?
According to the 2020 census, Smithville has a population of 5,004 residents.
What is the racial makeup of the city?
As of 2020, the city is 81.7% White, 13.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% some other race, and 7.3% two or more races, with smaller percentages of Black, Asian, and Native American residents.
How many people in Smithville live in rural areas?
A small minority of the population lives in rural areas, accounting for 10.3% of residents, while 89.7% live in urban areas.
What is the median age of Smithville residents?
The median age was 37.8 years as of the 2020 census.
What is the vacancy rate for homes in Smithville?
The overall vacancy rate is 7.3%, with homeowner vacancies at 1.6% and rental vacancies at 5.3%.