A study by Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) estimates the population of Kansas will grow by 469,000 over the 50-year period from 2022-2072, a cumulative increase of 16%. However, many counties are projected to lose population, including most of the Golden Belt. Barton County is projected to lose more than a quarter of its population and Pawnee County is projected to lose more than half.