WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A new forecast for Kansas’ population suggests the state’s growth could stall in the coming decades, a trend researchers say could slow the economy.

The report from Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEBDR) projects that metro areas like Wichita and Kansas City could see their populations grow by at least 25% over the next 50 years.

Rural counties face a different future. Some areas, including Decatur County in northwest Kansas, could lose nearly half their population during the same period.

Researchers warn that slower statewide growth leaves less opportunity for new businesses to open and expand.

“If we want to open another hospital, we simply just don’t have the workforce for that,” said Bekah Selby-Leach, directo

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