Luverne population my break 5,000 mark

The city of Luverne’s population may have surpassed the 5,000-person threshold to qualify for more state and federal funding for public infrastructure.
That’s according to correspondence received by Luverne City Administrator Jill Wolf Thursday from Minnesota State Demographer Susan Brower.
Despite efforts to publicize and encourage local participation in the 2020 census, Luverne’s official census count landed at 4,946.
It was a 4-percent increase over the 2010 census count, but still shy of the 5,000-person goal.
The demographer’s letter stated that Luverne’s April 1, 2022, population estimate is 5,033 with an estimated 2,099 households.
That was all the information in the memo, that had the subject line, “2022 Population and Household Estimates.” It was dated June 1.
“We are going to request more information and possibly a waiver on getting the state to formally recognize the increase,” Wolf said Monday.
“The city can receive more benefits from the state, such as local gas tax for road repairs, once the population is over 5,000.”
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian said he, too, is encouraged by Brower’s letter.
“It’s great news,” he said. “This could mean a significant increase in state aid for us.” 
The demographer’s office is required by law to produce annual population and household estimates for Minnesota cities and townships.
The figures represent estimated population and household changes since the 2020 Census. The state uses data from sources such as the Census Bureau and building permits to estimate population. Broad changes in Rock County contributed to the increase in Luverne.
The estimates also have been sent to the county auditor for review and are subject to change. They are not considered final until released by the Minnesota Department of Revenue in July.
The city has reached out to the State regarding next steps to formalize the new population estimate.