Shawnee County’s latest census data indicates growth and diversification resulting in important economic improvements, which GTP leaders say are impactful. GTP. which stands for the Greater Topeka Partnership is the umbrella agency supporting missions aimed at enhancing economic development and improvement of the quality of life in Shawnee County and Topeka.

Overview of Shawnee’s 10-Year Population Growth and Diversification

Shawnee’s population of Hispanic or Latinos grew by 23.6 percent. the Pacific Islanders increased by 43 percent and 21 percent more Asians now reside in Shawnee. In addition, the generations of bi-racial Topekans who were born and raised in Shawnee have grown by 157.2 percent.

Freddy Mawyin a GTP Senior Economic Advisor is happy to note that a fuller picture painted by Shawnee’s census data is that over the last 10 years, poverty had declined by as much as 44 percent, while annual household income had substantially increased by 33 percent.

Mawyin said a lot of people who have been migrating to Shawnee are from other counties while those coming from international locations are mostly visa workers and international students. The county reached a record high population at 178,909 residents; yet Mawyin said it is still their goal to attract more new residents in the coming years.

Why Shawnee’s Growth and Diversification is Regarded as Impactful by GTP Business Leaders?

GTP’s SVP for Marketing and Communication, Bob Ross said the diversity exhibited by Shawnee community is quite impactful as it denotes the advent of new opportunities. In being able to show how diversity has achieved economic growth and development, they will be able to position and present themselves in ways more meaningful to various demographics.

Moreover, the achievement is monumental and transformative as it raises the county’s level in the state and federal appointment standpoint, which allocates federal grants based on redistribution data guidelines.