Age results from the 2000 census reinforce what community leaders have said all along: Freeborn County is getting older.

Sunday, May 27, 2001

Age results from the 2000 census reinforce what community leaders have said all along: Freeborn County is getting older. But some small towns seem to be bucking the trend by attracting young and middle-aged couples and holding relatively steady numbers of young children.

The census revealed a variety of small town demographics – from Conger, where the median age was 44.6 years, to Clarks Grove’s median of 34.7 years old. Albert Lea had the third -argest percentage of residents over age 65.

Clarks Grove not only enjoyed substantial growth over the last 10 years, but seemed to attract a number of young residents and growing families, census results indicate.

Clarks Grove’s location near the interstate is one draw, said resident Keith Onstad. One couple recently moved to the town from Owatonna because they could enjoy the affordable cost of living small town life affords, and actually get to work faster than they could in congested Owatonna traffic, he said.

Housing in Clarks Grove is plentiful and affordable, Onstad said. And families can send children to several different school districts.

The census indicates that Conger is the oldest town in Freeborn County, with a high median age and the greatest percentage of residents over age 65.

Dick Doppelhammer, Conger resident and general chairman of the Centennial Committee, said he doesn’t believe the census numbers.

&uot;I suppose we still have 12-14 senior citizens in town, but there’s been a great influx of young people here,&uot; Doppelhammer said.

Several young families have moved to Conger and some seniors have passed away since the census, he said. Young people are attracted to affordable housing costs and a variety of industry in Conger.

Conger Mayor Rick Miller is counting on development to encourage even more people to move to the town.

The Conger city council is upgrading the sewage system, and hopes to annex eight homes on east end of town by the end of the year. Miller said that would be a gain in population of about 13 percent.

&uot;That would be the biggest growth the city’s had since back during the baby boom,&uot; he said.

Conger boasts 52 homes in town now, and approximately 13 businesses, he said. Several people commute to Conger to work, an unusual occurrence in smaller towns.

&uot;It’s a nice, clean, little town,&uot; he said. &uot;Anyone could move here and feel comfortable. That’s just the kind of place it is.&uot;

See page 8A for more age information from recently released Census 2000figures.