Springfield population growing but slowly

  Springfield's population is expected to continue to increase over the next 25 years, but at a slightly slower rate than over previous decades. Illinois' capital city is projected to grow another 14 percent by 2040. The population grew by 16 percent from 1980 to 2010. Local experts say Sangamon County is lagging behind its central Illinois peers in population and economic growth. That includes Peoria and and Bloomington-Normal. A study released in April by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission the "economic strength" of the Springfield metropolitan is eroding. The study points out that unemployment rates in the area are among the lowest in the state. But the local economy still has not bounced back from the statewide loss of jobs.