Johnson County town sees record population growth

LENEXA, Ks. (KCTV) – New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Johnson County leads in population growth and Lenexa ranks at the top.

“Lenexa often lands on lists for its growth,” said Scott McCullough.

McCullough is the Director of Community Development for the Town of Lenexa. He said it was no surprise that Lenexa landed on top again.

“The soul of Lenexa, all of the festivals, all of the parks, all of the trails, all of those things come together to create an environment for good growth,” McCullough said.

Several communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area have experienced significant growth. According to data released Thursday by the US Census Bureau:

Lenexa 1.5%
Lee peak 1.2%
Blue springs 1.1%
Olathe 1.1%
Shawnee .2%

Cities that have experienced population declines:

Land fleet -.2%
Leawood -.4%
Independence -.7%

In Kansas City, Kansas, 1.1% people moved, while Kansas City, Missouri saw growth of 0.1%.

As for Lenexa, McCullough credits the community with a vision that began 25 years ago.

“Vision realized by our residents, telling us what they want their city to be,” said McCullough.

City leaders took the vision and rebuilt it from scratch, including the downtown core. They built it as a place where citizens could live, work and play.

“It’s a great place to socialize, be entertained, have fun and participate in the city,” McCullough said.

Other cities are now following the mixed-use footprint.

“Where apartment dwellers and single-family residents, business, government and education can all come together,” McCullough said.

As a result, finding success together and pushing Johnson County to the top.

“For example, we have great school districts that cross borders, and as those schools succeed, the whole region succeeds,” McCullough said.